New York City

Trump: Giuliani out as contender for Secretary of State

Will remain in private sector

December 9, 2016 By Mary Frost Brooklyn Daily Eagle
In this Sept. 12, 2001 file photo, then-New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, center, leads then-New York Gov. George Pataki, left, and then-Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., on a tour of the site of the World Trade Center disaster. AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty
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President-elect Donald Trump broke the news on Friday that Mayor Rudy Giuliani has removed his name from consideration for the position of Secretary of State.

Trump said in a release that Giuliani told him during a meeting held on November 29 that he no longer wished to be considered.

“Rudy Giuliani is an extraordinarily talented and patriotic American. I will always be appreciative of his 24/7 dedication to our campaign after I won the primaries and for his extremely wise counsel,” Trump said in a statement.

He added, “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.”

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Giuliani’s departure opens the field for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former CIA head David Petraeus and Exxon Mobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson. CNN reported that Tillerson met with Trump on Tuesday.

Trump said that Giuliani, who was one of his earliest and strongest supporters, would continue to be a close personal friend and one he would call upon for advice. He didn’t rule out  “an important place for him in the administration at a later date.”

Mayor Giuliani will remain a vice chairman of the Presidential Transition Team led by Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

He said in a statement, “I joined the campaign because I love my country and because having known Donald Trump as a friend for 28 years and observing what he has been able to accomplish, I had no doubt he would be a great president.

“This is not about me; it is about what is best for the country and the new administration,” he added. “Before I joined the campaign I was very involved and fulfilled by my work with my law firm and consulting firm, and I will continue that work with even more enthusiasm.”

Reince Priebus, incoming White House Chief of Staff, said that the former Mayor “was vetted by our team for any possible conflicts and passed with flying colors.”


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