PHILIP Bilden has withdrawn his nomination as secretary of the US Navy, the Pentagon said Sunday, marking the latest in a series of nominees to remove their names from consideration to serve under President Donald Trump.
The resignation comes a week after White House Press secretary Sean Spicer denied reports Mr Bilden was likely to withdraw.
“Just spoke with him and he is 100% commited (sic) to being the next SECNAV pending Senate confirm,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon said in a statement that Defense Secretary James Mattis had spoken with Mr Bilden and he “remains fully committed to serving as Secretary of the Navy”.
“Secretary Mattis remains confident that Mr. Bilden is the right leader to rebuild the readiness of our Navy and Marine Corps.”
Yet days later, Secretary Mattis was forced to issue a new statement.
“This was a personal decision driven by privacy concerns and significant challenges he faced in separating himself from his business interests,” he said, adding that he would soon suggest a new nominee.
“While I am disappointed, I understand and respect his decision, and know that he will continue to support our nation in other ways.”
Concerns over the ability of Bilden, a prominent businessman and private equity investor, to separate from his vast holdings, many of which are in Hong Kong, clouded his nomination, according to reports.
The secretary of the Navy serves as the chief executive officer for both the Navy and the Marine Corps.
Bilden’s move came on the heels of similar decisions by US Army secretary nominee Vincent Viola over concerns about his ability to separate from his large business holdings, and labour secretary nominee Andrew Puzder, who faced intense scrutiny for his business record and controversies over his personal life.
The posts require Senate confirmation.
And earlier this month, Michael Flynn resigned from the high-profile post of national security adviser as he faced accusations of lying to White House colleagues about his contacts with Russian officials.
