December 10, 2004
Commissioner Kerik informed the White House this evening that he is withdrawing his name for personal reasons from consideration for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. The President respects his decision, and wishes Commissioner Kerik and his wife, Hala, well.
George W. Bush, Statement by the Press Secretary on Commissioner Kerik Nomination Withdrawl Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/281437