Giuliani pulls out of consideration to serve in Trump administration

Photo of author

By BNO NEWS

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who was seen as a potential candidate to become the next secretary of state, has removed his name from consideration for a position in the Trump administration, officials say.

The presidential transition team said on Friday that Giuliani removed himself from consideration during a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump on November 29. A specific reason was not disclosed although Trump hinted at a position for Giuliani in the future.

“Rudy would have been an outstanding member of the Cabinet in several roles, but I fully respect and understand his reasons for remaining in the private sector,” Trump said in a statement. “He is and continues to be a close personal friend, and as appropriate, I will call upon him for advice and can see an important place for him in the administration at a later date.”

Giuliani will stay on as a vice chairman of the Presidential Transition Team, which is being led by Vice President-elect Mike Pence. He will also continue his work at his law firm and his consulting firm.

“This is not about me, it is about what is best for the country and the new administration,” the former mayor said. “From the vantage point of the private sector, I look forward to helping the President-elect in any way he deems necessary and appropriate.”

Trump is considering a range of people to nominate as his secretary of state, including Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, who is reportedly the leading candidate. Other options include former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and former CIA Director David Petraeus.

(Copyright 2015 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: sales@bnonews.com.)

Images Courtesy of DepositPhotos