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Green, who is the
third Trump nominee for a service secretary position to
withdraw, has faced criticism from rights groups and lawmakers
over allegations about past comments regarding minorities as
well as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, or LGBT, people.
In a statement, Green said "false and misleading attacks" had
driven him to withdraw.
“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," he said.
"While these false 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."
U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement
that Green's decision to stand down was "good news for all
Americans."
It was especially good for those "who were personally vilified
by his disparaging comments directed toward the LGBTQ community,
Muslim community, Latino community and more," Schumer said.
Green served in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
where he made three combat tours to the Middle East.
(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Roberta Rampton, editing by G
Crosse and Tom Brown)
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