Rudy Giuliani withdraws name for consideration in Trump administration, president-elect says
"Rudy Giuliani is an extraordinarily talented and patriotic American," Trump said. "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 that Giuliani "continues to be a close personal friend" and will be someone he looks to for advice. The president-elect added that he "can see an important place for him in the administration at a later date."
Giuliani, who was initially considered to be a frontrunner for secretary of state, was overshadowed in recent weeks by other individuals, including Gen. David Petraeus and Mitt Romney, the former Massachusetts governor and 2012 Republican presidential nominee.
"This is not about me; it is about what is best for the country and the new administration," Giuliani said in a statement explaining his decision.
The former New York City mayor, who following the release of a lewd 2005 Access Hollywood tape was perhaps the only surrogate who publicly defended Trump, will remain vice chairman of the presidential transition team, the campaign said.
"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," Giuliani said. "From the vantage point of the private sector, I look forward to helping the President-elect in any way he deems necessary and appropriate."