Daniel Uria
Vincent Viola, President Donald Trump's nomine for Army
Secretary, withdrew from consideration for the position after difficulty
divesting himself from his businesses. Viola founded digital stock
trading firm Virtu Financial and owns the National Hockey League’s
Florida Panthers but was unable to transfer ownership and operation
facilities in a way that met Pentagon requirements.Photo by Ricardo
Watson/UPI
| License Photo
President
Donald Trump's nominee for Army Secretary has withdrawn from consideration due to difficulties divesting himself from his businesses.
Vincent Viola, the billionaire founder of
digital stock trading firm Virtu Financial and owner of the National
Hockey League's Florida Panthers, withdrew on Friday stating he was
unable to navigate the Defense Department's confirmation process,
according to the Military Times.
"I appreciate the confidence President Trump
showed in me," Viola said in a statement. "I offer my continued support
for President Trump and his administration, and look forward to
redoubling my efforts to support the Army and its veterans as private
citizens."
Viola said he was "deeply honored" to have
been nominated, but his plans to transfer ownership and operations of
his businesses and the hockey team did not meet Pentagon requirements.
Viola graduated from West Point, where he
helped found the Combating Terrorism Center, and attained the rank of
major in the army reserve. He also formerly served as chairman of the
New York Mercantile Exchange.
Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said he was
disappointed by Viola's withdrawal but "understands and respects Mr.
Viola's decision" Pentagon spokesman, Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, said
according to the Washington Post.
Davis also said Mattis is "confident that Mr. Viola will remain a
stalwart supporter of America's soldiers" and will recommend a new
nominee soon.
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