Racehorse owner Vincent Viola, Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of the Army, withdrew his name for consideration for that post Friday night, according to a story in the New York Times, which cited difficulties Viola was having in divesting himself from his business interests. Viola, who operates St. Elias Stables with his wife Teresa, is the owner of the NHL's Florida Panthers and the chairman of Virtu Financial, an electronic trading firm. The Times cites two government officials, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The story was first reported Friday by The Military Times, which quotes Viola in a statement. “I appreciate the confidence President Trump showed in me,” he said. “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 is a 1977 graduate of West Point.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
