Trump's Pick For USDA Chief Scientist Withdraws From Consideration

President Donald Trump's pick for chief scientist of the Agriculture Department withdrew his name.

Sam Clovis wrote in a letter to Trump earlier this week, "The political climate inside Washington has made it impossible for me to receive balanced and fair consideration for this position."

The move comes just a few days after Clovis was linked to the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election.

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But his nomination was controversial before that revelation. Critics were quick to point out he doesn't have a background in science. And his comments about race and the LGBTQ community have been criticized.

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders confirmed Clovis' decision Thursday, saying, "We respect Mr. Clovis' decision to withdraw his nomination."