Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday that his appointee to run the White House drug control policy has decided not to honor the call. Describing Rep. Tom Marino as a "fine man and great Congressman," the president tweeted that the politician informed him that he decided to withdraw his name from running for the post of Drug Czar.
Conflict of interest
Trump later appeared on a Fox News Radio show, where he revealed Marino's decision to withdraw was not prompted by any outside influence. According to Trump, the Congressman stated he does not want to do anything with the claims that his appointment could lead to a conflict of interest.
The Republican said that his nominee said that he did not have any choice other than to walk away from the potential appointment. After claims came out that Marino played an essential role in the passage of a law that weakened federal authorities ability to curb companies from distributing opioids, Trump on Monday said that he could reverse Marino's appointment.
Speaking to reporters, Trump added that he would study a report by CBS News and The Washington Post, promising that if it cast a negative light on his decision to appoint Marino, he would make a change. On Sunday, the two media organizations reported that that the politician was actively involved in the 2016's bill quick and silent passage.
The law, which greatly weakened the DEA's authority to stop firms from distributing opioids, was passed during Marino's fourth stint as the representative of northeastern Pennsylvania. Despite describing the Congressman as a "good man" on Monday, Trump insisted that his administration would look into the allegations.
West Virginia Senator opposed to appointment
A few moments before Trump's tweet, Senator Joe Manchin vowed to block the nomination. During an interview with the CNN, the West Virginia Senator said that Marino would only be appointed drug czar over "my dead body." According to The Guardian, Manchin's state is among the US states hardest-hit by an opioid addiction problem. Addiction to the drugs kills an estimated 142 people per day in the United States.
Manchin said that Trump's appointee is not the right person for the job, and predicted that Trump would adjust his decision.
The Senator did not blame the White House for failure to vet Marino, adding that Monday's reports in the media were the first he had heard of the 2016 law and its negative impact. He voiced his belief that Trump did not have any knowledge of his appointee's muddled background.
