Mark Green, President Trump’s pick for Army secretary, withdrew from consideration Friday after a storm of criticism over his past comments on gay marriage, transgender rights and Islam. This marks the second person nominated to be the Army’s top civilian to take himself out of the running, and the third of Trump’s service secretary picks to do so.

Green, a Tennessee state senator, cited “false and misleading attacks” as a reason for the decision and said his nomination had become a distraction for Trump. He also thanked Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who had vouched for Green’s credentials a month ago and pledged to stand by him through the confirmation process.