Trump picks Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson for US secretary of state
He [Tillerson] will be a forceful and clear-eyed advocate for America’s vital national interests
Trained as an engineer, the silver-haired oilman is 64 and has never worked in government, but his global deal-making experience could be an asset in defending US interests. His close relationship with Putin likely was key to Trump’s choice. The billionaire is keen to improve ties with Russia which soured greatly when Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.
“He will be a forceful and clear-eyed advocate for America’s vital national interests, and help reverse years of misguided foreign policies and actions that have weakened America’s security and standing in the world,” Trump said in a statement. Tillerson said he shared Trump’s “vision for restoring the credibility of the United States’ foreign relations and advancing our country’s national security”.
Trump picked Tillerson after the Texan was backed by several Republican establishment figures including former Secretary of State James Baker, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former Defence Secretary Robert Gates, the transition official said.
In 2013, Putin bestowed a Russian state honour, the Order of Friendship, on Tillerson, citing his work “strengthening cooperation in the energy sector”.