Green withdraws as nominee for Army secretary

Tennessee politician Mark Green has withdrawn from consideration to be the next Army secretary, citing "misleading attacks" that have become a distraction for the Trump administration.

"It is with deep regret today I am withdrawing my nomination to be the Secretary of the Army," he said in a statement released to the press. "I am honored that President Trump nominated me for this position. I appreciate his support and confidence in me, as well as that of Secretary Mattis and many others, and their desire to Make America Great Again by preparing our military to face the many challenges in the world for the safety and security of our nation."

Green has come under fire recently for statements he made regarding lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. As a lawmaker, Green sponsored legislation that would allow physicians to refuse treatment to LGBT individuals. He also supported a bill that would require transgender high school and college students to use school restrooms corresponding to the genders listed on their birth certificates.

"Tragically, my life of public service and my Christian beliefs have been mischaracterized and attacked by a few on the other side of the aisle for political gain," Green said. "While these attacks have no bearing on the needs of the Army or my qualifications to serve, I believe it is critical to give the President the ability to move forward with his vision to restore our military to its rightful place in the world."

Green drew opposition from congressional Democrats and a host of LGBT organizations. The American Military Partner Association, which bills itself as the nation's largest non-profit organization of LGBT military and veteran families, released a statement on Green's withdrawal.

"Mark Green should never have even been considered for Secretary of the Army," said AMPA President Ashley Broadway Mack. "His vicious attacks on LGBT people should have been disqualifying from the very beginning. It took an overwhelming chorus of voices speaking out in outrage over the nomination, but we are pleased that in the end, what is best for our military families has prevailed. The U.S. Army needs leadership that will ensure all of our service members and their families have the support they need and deserve, and Mark Green was clearly not that leader."

Green becomes the second nominee for Army secretary to withdraw from consideration, the first being New York financier Vinny Viola. Hong Kong financier Philip Bilden withdrew his name from consideration to be Navy secretary in February and has yet to be replaced.

The Senate, however, is scheduled to vote Monday to confirm Heather Wilson as Air Force secretary.