With Exxon Mobil boss Tillerson as top US diplomat, Trump’s new approach is ready to roll
Jesse Friedlander says the seasoned businessman appears set to be a formidable negotiator who will shake up the Washington establishment, with his close ties to Putin and a focus on economics and trade over politics
US President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Rex Tillerson, the CEO of Exxon Mobil Corporation, to lead US foreign relations as secretary of state. In the modern era, every secretary of state has been part of the Washington political and/or military establishment. Current incumbent John Kerry is a former senator, as was his predecessor, former first lady Hillary Clinton, while her predecessor, Colin Powell, was a four-star general in the US Army.
In selecting a businessman, albeit a highly respected one, Trump is re-enforcing his message to the world that the US will adopt a radically new approach towards engagement with foreign partners.
Watch: Trump says Americans have nothing to fear
Tillerson has spent his entire career at the energy giant, ascending to the helm in 2006. Exxon Mobil has oil and gas production operations in 24 countries, plus an expansive portfolio of refining and distribution operations, and alternative energy initiatives.
Tillerson has, in fact, cultivated close relations with a vast array of national leaders
It even has its own “mini state department” that delivers a steady stream of information and analysis on global economic and political developments, to refine risk assessments of projects and support management negotiations with foreign government officials.
Trump’s detractors have criticised Tillerson for two primary reasons: his business ties to Russia and lack of government experience.
With regard to Russia, Tillerson oversaw Exxon Mobil’s strategic cooperation agreement with state-owned energy giant Rosneft, leading to 10 joint venture projects there. As an investor and business partner, Tillerson has cordial relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin – much maligned in the US for his authoritarian tendencies. Officials accuse Russia of interfering in the US presidential election to boost Trump, and harbour deep suspicions about Putin’s intentions in Ukraine, Syria, and elsewhere.
