Trump’s drug czar nominee withdraws name from consideration

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Cong. Tom Marino withdraws name for drug czar consideration

President Donald Trump’s nominee for drug czar, Cong. Tom Marino of Pennsylvania, pulled out his name from consideration.

On Tuesday, Trump announced Marino’s decision on a post on Twitter. The President tweeted, “Rep. Tom Marino has informed me that he is withdrawing his name from consideration as drug czar. Tom is a fine man and a great Congressman!”

In an interview with Fox News Radio, the President explained that Marino  was “very gracious. He didn’t want to even have the perception of a conflict of interest with drug companies or insurance companies.”

On the other hand, Vice President Mike Pence told WMAL radio that the administration thinks “very highly of Congressman Marino and respect his decision.”

Opposition against drug czar nominee

Marino’s withdrawal came following an increasing opposition to his nomination.

Last weekend, an investigative report highlighted how he championed a law that undermined the government’s efforts to crackdown drug companies.

According to the report, the pharmaceutical industry spent $102 million lobbying for Marino’s legislation, which became a law.   His critics said the law contributed to the opioid crisis in the country