Trump’s pick for national security adviser turns down job

Robert Harward, a retired vice admiral, has turned down his nomination as national security adviser (NSA) for Donald Trump, US President.

Harward was appointed as replacement for Trump’s former adviser, Michael Flynn, retired Army general, who resigned on Monday.

Flynn stepped down after it came to light that he misled Vice President Mike Pence over his conversations with Russia’s ambassador to the US.

Harward, a former Navy SEAL, was said to have cited “financial and family issues that would have been challenging in this position” while explaining his decision to decline the offer.

“Like all service members understand, and live, this job requires 24 hours a day, seven days a week focus and commitment to do it right. I currently could not make that commitment.

“My thoughts and prayers are with those that carry such heavy burdens and responsibility for taking care of our country’s national security concerns,” Harward said in a statement.

Harward had asked for “a couple of days” to consider his nomination after Trump had offered the job to him following Flynn’s resignation.

The former Navy SEAL was said to have turned down the job out of concern that top advisers in Trump’s administration may not allow him install his own staff on the national security council.

Following Flynn’s resignation, Trump had named Keith Kellogg as acting NSA.