Rudy Giuliani Won't Work In Donald Trump's Administration

Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor who became one of Donald Trump's most loyal surrogates during the presidential campaign, won't serve in Trump's White House administration, his transition team announced Friday.

Giuliani told Trump in a Nov. 29 meeting that he will remain in the private sector, according to the statement from the transition team. He had reportedly been under consideration for secretary of state.

"Rudy Giuliani is an extraordinarily talented and patriotic American," the president-elect said in the statement. "I will always be appreciative of his 24/7 dedication to our campaign after I won the primaries and for his extremely wise counsel. 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."

Giuliani will remain a vice chairman on Trump's presidential transition team.

"I joined the campaign because I love my country and because having known Donald Trump as a friend for 28 years and observing what he has been able to accomplish, I had no doubt he would be a great President," Giuliani said in the statement.

"This is not about me; it is about what is best for the country and the new administration. Before I joined the campaign I was very involved and fulfilled by my work with my law firm and consulting firm, and I will continue that work with even more enthusiasm. From the vantage point of the private sector, I look forward to helping the President-elect in any way he deems necessary and appropriate."

Giuliani endorsed Trump back in April and was one of his most loyal followers from then on.

As a television surrogate, his dedication was unmatched, particularly after the now-infamous "Access Hollywood" tapes were released and several women came forward to accuse Trump of sexual assault.

The weekend following the tape's release, Giuliani was just about the only person from Trump world willing to go on television and continue to defend him, even as he was slapped around by some prominent network hosts.

This story will be updated.

Image via Gage Skidmore, used under Creative Commons