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US Navy Secretary Nominee Withdraws

Philip Bilden, the nominee for the secretary of the US Navy has withdrawn, the Pentagon said Sunday.

"This was a personal decision driven by privacy concerns and significant challenges he faced in separating himself from his business interests," Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in a statement and 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," he said.

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 U.S Army secretary nominee Vincent Viola over concerns about his ability to separate from his large business holdings, and labor secretary nominee Andrew Puzder, who faced intense scrutiny for his business record and controversies over his personal life.

This comes while, earlier this month, Michael Flynn has resigned from the national security advisor as he faced accusations of lying to White House colleagues about his contacts with Russian officials.

US Navy Secretary Nominee Withdraws

The secretary of the Navy serves as the chief executive officer for both the Navy and the Marine Corps.

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Philip Bilden, the nominee for the secretary of the US Navy has withdrawn, the Pentagon said Sunday.

"This was a personal decision driven by privacy concerns and significant challenges he faced in separating himself from his business interests," Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in a statement and 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," he said.

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 U.S Army secretary nominee Vincent Viola over concerns about his ability to separate from his large business holdings, and labor secretary nominee Andrew Puzder, who faced intense scrutiny for his business record and controversies over his personal life.

This comes while, earlier this month, Michael Flynn has resigned from the national security advisor as he faced accusations of lying to White House colleagues about his contacts with Russian officials.

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