Bilden withdraws as Navy secretary nominee

Philip Bilden, nominated to serve as the next Navy secretary, withdrew from consideration on Sunday, making him the second of President Trump's service secretary nominees to back out of the process.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in a statement that Bilden "has informed me that he has come to the difficult decision to withdraw from consideration to be secretary of the Navy. 

"This was a personal decision driven by privacy concerns and significant challenges he faced in separating himself from his business interests," Mattis continued. "While I am disappointed, I understand and his respect his decision, and know that he will continue to support our nation in other ways. In the coming days I will make a recommendation to President Trump for a leader who can guide our Navy and Marine Corps team as we execute the president's vision to rebuild our military."

In a statement provided by the Pentagon, Bilden said he fully backed Trump's agenda and Mattis' leadership.

"However, after an extensive review process, 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," he added.

Earlier this month, Vincent Viola withdrew from consideration to be the next Army secretary.