Trump’s Choice to Lead Hostage Negotiations Withdraws Nomination

The White House has confirmed that Adam Boehler was withdrawn as the president’s nominee special presidential envoy for hostage affairs. Boehler, who recently was working to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, will work as a “special government employee” in the meantime, the White House said. The statement from the administration did not say why Boehler’s nomination was being withdrawn. The position requires Senate confirmation. Being designated a special government employee allows an administration official to possibly avoid disclosure rules that would have been required if they went through with the Senate confirmation process. “Adam Boehler will continue to serve President Trump as a special government employee focused on hostage negotiations,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said in a statement on Saturday....