Bilden's decision to drop out mirrored that of Mr. Trump's original choice for Army Secretary, Vincent Viola, who gave up his nomination because of difficulties unwinding his own personal financial holdings, and how they might ethically impact his post at the Pentagon
"I have determined that I will not be able to satisfy the Office of Government Ethics requirements without undue disruption and materially adverse divestment of my family's private financial interests," Bilden said in a written statement.
Last weekend, the White House sternly rejected reports from several news organizations that Bilden was going to withdraw from consideration for the job of Navy Secretary.
In reacting to those reports on February 18, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that talk "would be wrong."
Trump's pick for Secretary of the Air Force remains on track; ex-Rep. Heather Wilson (R-NM) was chosen for that position.
But now, the President will need to make a second choice for both Army and Navy Secretary.
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