Lieberman Withdraws From FBI Director Consideration

WASHINGTON, DC — Once thought a leading candidate for the job, former Connecticut U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman has officially withdrawn from consideration, following reports Wednesday that the White House was going in a different direction. In a letter to President Donald Trump tweeted by Washington Post reporter Abby D. Phillip, Lieberman formally withdrew his name from consideration, citing a potential conflict of interest between himself and longtime Trump attorney Marc Kasowitz, who is representing Trump in the investigation into the Trump campaign's alleged ties with Russia.

Watch: Rumored Top FBI Director Candidate Just Withdrew...

"With your selection of Marc Kasowitz to represent you in the various investigations that have begun, I do believe it would be best to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest, given my role as senior counsel in the law firm of which Marc is the senior partner," wrote Lieberman.

After confirming to reporters last week that Lieberman was his top choice for the vacant FBI Director role, Trump appeared to change course Wednesday. Multiple media reports indicated that the White House is "resetting its search" for James Comey's replacement.

Citing a senior administration official, CNN reported Wednesday that Trump decided he wants to see a broader range of candidates before making his nomination.

It was expected that Trump would name Comey's successor before he left on an international trip Friday, according to Politico. However, the announcement never came. White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Lieberman along with three other candidates met with Trump last week.

Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images