WASHINGTON — Retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward bailed Sunday on a scheduled ABC “This Week” interview, just days after turning down President Trump’s offer to be National Security Adviser.
“Harward had committed to appearing on this program, but just an hour ago he told us he was unable to join,” ABC’s Jonathan Karl announced at the beginning of the show.
Harward could not immediately be reached for comment.
He was offered the job as Trump’s national security adviser after Michael Flynn resigned Monday night for not telling the truth to Vice President Mike Pence about talking to the Russian ambassador about sanctions.
Harward told the Associated Press Thursday evening he wanted to have some personal time after serving 40 years in the military.
“It’s purely a personal issue,” Harward said of his decision.
Harward declined to address reports that he had concerns over bringing on his own staff for the job.
“I think that’s for the president to address,” Harward said.
Meanwhile, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said the new National Security Adviser “will have total and complete say” over the makeup of the National Security Council, including whether to keep Trump political aide Steve Bannon on board.
“There is no demand by President Trump on any candidate for NSA Director at all,” Priebus told Fox News Sunday.
Retired Lt. Gen Keith Kellogg has been serving as acting national security adviser in the meantime.
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