WASHINGTON — In a phone call with the president on Thursday, U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice formally withdrew her name from consideration as the next Secretary of State, putting an abrupt end to a political drama that had unfolded on the Senate floor and television airwaves for months.

Rice made her decision, administration officials told The Huffington Post, “during the last couple days,” after considering the heated battle that would have ensued had she been tapped to replace departing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“If nominated, I am now convinced that the confirmation process would be lengthy, disruptive and costly – to you and to our most pressing national and international priorities,” Rice wrote in her letter to President Barack Obama. “That trade-off is simply not worth it to our country.”

“Her decision demonstrates the strength of her character, and an admirable commitment to rise above the politics of the moment to put our national interests first,” the president said in a statement shortly thereafter. He will meet with Rice in person on Friday.

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Susan Rice’s withdrawal from consideration for secretary of state caused frustration among administration officials Thursday.

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