WASHINGTON\u00a0\u2014\u00a0President Donald Trump officially nominated former Army Ranger Ryan McCarthy as under secretary of the Army on Tuesday, putting him in line for the service’s second ranking post and a possible temporary promotion to the top job.
Foreign business entanglements sunk the nomination of Trump\u2019s first pick for Navy secretary \u2014 financier Philip Bilden \u2014 earlier this year. Last week, the White House nominated former financial industry executive Richard Spencer for that role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In February, Trump\u2019s first pick for Army secretary, billionaire veteran Vincent Viola, dropped out of the process citing numerous conflicts of interest with his family businesses. Last month, nominee Mark Green withdrew from the process after scrutiny over his past comments on homosexuality and transgender rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
The Army has only had a full-time secretary for a few months over the last two years. Army Secretary Eric Fanning was nominated to replace John McHugh in late 2015, but did not officially take over the job until May because of a lengthy confirmation fight with Congress. Deputy Army Secretary Patrick Murphy served in an acting role for more than four months.
No timetable has been set for when McCarthy\u2019s nomination may be considered by the Senate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawmakers are scheduled to break for the summer in late July, meaning if McCarthy\u2019s confirmation isn\u2019t finished by then, he likely won\u2019t be able to officially assume the role until mid-September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n