Rudy Giuliani opts out of Trump administration

Giuliani, one of Trump's most prominent supporters during the campaign, had been touted as a possible secretary of state or director of national intelligence. The former mayor informed Trump on Nov. 29 that he was removing his name from consideration for a job in the new government, the transition team said in a statement.

The release cited Giuliani as saying that he was ready to focus again on work with his law firm and consultancy. "Rudy would have been an outstanding member of the Cabinet in several roles, but I fully respect and understand his reasons for remaining in the private sector," Trump said.

"He is and continues to be a close personal friend, and as appropriate, I will call upon him for advice and can see an important place for him in the administration at a later date," the president-elect said. Giuliani will continue to serve as vice chairman of the Presidential Transition Team.