President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of the Army, Vincent Viola, withdrew from consideration

 

President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of the Army, billionaire Wall Street trader Vincent Viola, withdrew from consideration Friday night, CNN reported. 

Viola, 60, cited business ties. He has ownership interests in, among other entities, Virtu Financial, Eastern Air Lines and the Florida Panthers hockey club.  

"Mr. Viola has informed President Trump that he will be unable to accept his nomination to serve as secretary of the Army as the challenges of separating Mr. Viola from the organizations that he has built over the last thirty-five years have proven insurmountable," a statement from Viola's team said, CNN reported. 

The statement continued: 

"I am deeply honored to have been considered for this post, and appreciate the confidence President Trump showed in me," Viola said. "I offer my continued support for President Trump and his administration, and look forward to re-doubling my efforts to support the Army and its veterans as a private citizen."

Viola's plan to transfer ownership of his businesses to family members did not meet Pentagon requirements, according to sources, the Military Times reported. 

The Army secretary job requires Senate confirmation. 

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