Retired Vice-Admiral Robert Harward, 60, refused to accept U.S. President Donald Trump’s offer to become national security adviser, BBC reported.

According to a White House official, Robert Harward cited family and financial commitments, but US media said the sticking point was he wanted to bring in his own team.

Robert Harward, who is currently based in Abu Dhabi as an executive for US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, stated that officials of the White House was very accommodating to his needs, both professionally and personally.

“It's purely a personal issue,” he added.