I don’t know for sure, but I remember reading that being asked to serve the President was an honor that one did not reject out of respect for the office. I also don’t recall anyone turning down an appointment in the past, after it has been made public. Maybe it has happened and I just don’t recall my history well enough, but I think doing something like this is considered a real offense (etiquette-wise)and usually just does not happen. Wonder who Obama can convince to take this job now?
No, he had every right to change his mind after Obama pulled the census report out of his department. That was not in the agreement. It was a gratuitous insult and a real naked powergrab.