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Trump chooses Secretary of State

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President-elect Donald Trump has chosen ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of state, according to Fox News.

Their sources “warned that nothing is official until the president-elect announces it, which is likely to come over the next few days. Trump told Chris Wallace on ‘Fox News Sunday’ that he was ‘getting very, very close’ to an official announcement,” the television network reported Monday.

Trump’s transition team announced Monday that his choice to head the Department of Homeland Security is, as expected, Gen. John Kelly. Kelly is a former commander of U.S. Southern Command with “unique insight into some of the challenges the United States faces at its southern border,” the announcement said.

Trump’s decision-making on whom to select for secretary of state has stretched out over several weeks. He has been considering former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a one-time vocal Trump critic, Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who leads the Foreign Relations Committee, and Tillerson, the oil industry executive who met twice with Trump during the past week.

In the television interview, Trump pointed to Tillerson’s deep relations with Moscow as a selling point. As ExxonMobil’s head, he maintained close ties with Russia and was awarded by Putin with the Order of Friendship in 2013, an honor for a foreign citizen.

“A great advantage is he knows many of the players, and he knows them well. He does massive deals in Russia. He does massive deals for the company,” Trump said, while also citing Corker and Romney.

“These are all very different types of people,” he said. “But when you ask me about Rex, I mean, he’s a world-class player. There’s no question about it.” By Sunday afternoon, Tillerson had still not been formally offered the job, according to a person with knowledge of the process who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The prospect of Tillerson received a cool reception from some Republican members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which would consider his nomination.

Florida Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, who unsuccessfully challenged Trump for the GOP nomination, wrote on Twitter —

Russia’s influence has also been seized upon by a small group of Democratic electors who call themselves the “Hamilton Electors” and are trying to persuade electors to back another Republican because they contend Trump is unfit to be president.

The Associated Press contributed to this article

 

About the Author

Stephen is a U.S. Army veteran with over a decade of combined experience in political commentary, economics, and news.

Comments

      • Georgina says

        Definitely John Bolton. No Romney! Newt Gingrich would also be a great choice. I completely agree that McCain is as bad as Reid.

    • Bret says

      Agreed, John Bolton would be the wiser choice. His credentials as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations says a lot.
      However, I must also bring up the opposition to him from within the Republican party. It may not be as big enough to derail John Bolton, but Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky opposes John Bolton. Claiming he is too hawkish, too pro-American involvement for the Senator’s Libertarian streak in him. Given our narrow lead of control in the Senate, we cannot afford dissenters within our own party. It’s one thing to raise the question of how a John Bolton would act as Secretary of State and another to raise the question would he carry out the foreign policies of President Donald Trump and the consent of Congress. Which is the way it is supposed to be.

    • Expat Tom says

      We had a clear choice between an evil liar who should be in prison now and the village idiot. Let us all pray for the village idiot. I can not believe the arrogance of our president elect who doesn’t believe that he needs intelligence briefs and who equates “making deals” with statesmanship and international relations. I hope that the is smart enough to keep John Bolton and Newt Gingrich close at hand.

      Let us all be thankful that the evil witch was vanquished and let us all pray for the village idiot who got rid of her.

      • Adela says

        I’m very sorry you chose to call our President Donald Trump “a village idiot”!!! He is NOT an idiot. How does this childish statement of yours speak about you??? NOT INTELLIGENTLY INDEED!!!
        President Trump knows exactly where and how he’s going in his own way. The usual, traditional way has been shown time and again it didn’t work. And, worse! a different kind, i.e., the perverse obama’s didn’t work either, and additionally, with him the economic and cultural America has been destroyed.
        This is not the time to add troubles on our President Trump’s shoulders. Your criticism will be picked up by all the REAL IDIOT DEMOTARDS who are always looking for insignificant signs to make a federal case of it, as in the case of the electors who are joining together to make trouble for our President!
        Couldn’t you have the fairness of giving our president Trump a chance, by criticizing ONLY after you’ve seen him for at least a year? It will most probably take many years to clean up all the filth that obama and his gangsters made in America!

      • gordon claycomb says

        Bolton is allegedly a Zionist-he is glib and personable but so is Netanyahoo. Look deeper and then decide.
        I would talk to Ron Paul about gradualism with some his ideas.

    • Richard says

      You betcha! John Bolton has my vote. We are praying that he (Pres. Elect Trump) will be listening to The Lord, and all of us who voted for him, that Ambassador Bolton would definitely be the right choice. So far he’s been doing good in his choices, let’s just hope he doesn’t venture too far off the ranch, because with Bolton, he would have a solid rounded out cabinet.

    • Trixie says

      John Bolton would be the best of the best!!! Smart, knowledgeable, honest and trustworthy, and so much experience!! John Bolton all the way.
      I hope Trump listens to the people again and picks John Bolton. He knew the people didn’t want Romney, so now Romney’s OUT, thank goodness!! Almost every post I see, shows the majority of the people want him to pick John Bolton!!!

    • Peter Joffe says

      Anybody but Hillary. It is very interesting to note that all of Trumps selections are people who have the right experience to do what is needed for America. No jobs for friends, no pay backs only the right men/women for the job. As a business man Trump always chose the right people for his empire and that’s how it was built. America does not need any one other then those who can and will perform for America.

    • Gaston Montand says

      Perhaps a computor with a good artificial intelligence software. It would absorb more inputs to make logical decisions. It would be cheaper to run 24/7 and unlike that Kenyan fellow, would not want to go on expensive holidays all the time, costing taxpayers millions , saying the same thing on every occasion. Unlike billyboy, no bodycount, rape and theft. Unlike that old woman, I already forgot her name, would not send confidential messages without approval and not saying a true word even by mistake.

    • Christa Barber says

      I was hoping for General Patraius, the more level headed people in the key roles the better off we are. Trump went to Military school and knows the moves to make and how to make them count. Having these Military Generals in there makes a strong and level headed group to depend on when the President needs them. I’m sure he has met with each one of his key players enough he will make the right decision.

    • Wendy Tuch says

      Newt is the most qualified; however, he and Calista wish to remain as they are and not enter
      the political maelstrom. Newt would be a fantastic adviser to Trump!

  5. Christine B. says

    What is wrong with being a friend with Russia? President-Elect Trump will mend the fences Obummer has demolished worldwide!

    • Rick says

      Agree. I think it is good thing to have a player that understands how the world works with economic issues. I remember Nixon’s push for an embargo of beef and decimated many ranchers and feeder. Tillerson has a broad view of the world and will be able to accomplish a lot more than government also rans or politicians. Good for Trump to looking outside the box.

    • Rosech says

      I agree that Tillerson would be the best because of his business acumen, knowledge of Russian and their ways, and remember, keep friends close and enemies closer. We must deal with Russia and China and experienced cabinet members who can do that must be called upon. Remember, Trump can always say YOU’RE FIRED if and when he sees it is appropriate. As to the old mentally disturbed like McCain, Schumer, and other naysayers have done our country a lot of harm and disharmony with other countries, and time for them to shut up and follow Trump to get things done and get things done right. WE must move to remove anyone over the age of 6 or 67 rather than listen to the prat of those way past their prime since now we know the average age in Congress IS 76! We are in a new era and dotting old Congress members must be removed in order for our representation as the People of this Republic need updated representation and better understanding of what is NOW happening. McCain and Graham are two of the worst besides Pelosi and the exiting Reid and should never, ever had been re-elected for anything, let along for America! They are disgusting and ruinous to our America.

    • Kenneth says

      I agree, a big plus. It seems members of the deep state are in panic that the USA might get along with Russia, and thus negate the past couple of years of Demonizing Russia. If that was not a huge propaganda effort to prepare the population for war, I don’t know what is.

    • Ric says

      I agree. The USSR doesn’t exist anymore, Russia is more of a Christian nation than many places on the globe and we have more in common with the Russian people than differences. There is no reason to continue Obama’s mindless antagonism against a national leader and his people, who can become our allies through strategic diplomacy.

  7. Mike says

    Alan Mulally – did an awesome job at Ford and Boeing. Not sure if he’s interested in the position though. As a Ford salaried employee, he gave us unity and direction.

  8. patsy says

    I trust President elect to pick whom ever he deems right for the job. He will pick the best person, I am sure of it.

  12. Newton says

    Is that conflict of voters support between Giuliani and Romney that is why CEO’s EXXON MOBIL got the job.

  14. Mike says

    Obama who else? Nothing’s going to change it’s going to be the same old people doing the same old stuff and I was 100% of trump supporter neverhillary but I think that we may be being fooled

    • don ackel says

      Newt, without a doubt, There is none better, how can he not be the top choice/????????????????????????????????????????

    • Bob from Ky. says

      I prefer Newt He would be the most powerful representative for that position, he knows the game and the stakes and has a demeanor to back up his positions.

  16. Horace says

    The one Mr. Trump feels will do the best job for Making America Great Again. If it is Mr. Tillerson – that would be fine. It is time to leave the Cold War Behind Us, the One World Government Behind, the Democratic and Republican Attitudes behind us and start over with a new positive attitude and direction.

    • Dr. Robert Schwartz says

      You have the right trajectory on this issue, Horace. We must strive to end the Cold War attitude and, in doing so, invite Putin to DC! I have favored the brilliant Newt Gingrich for secretary of state. Bolton is strongest, but he may have his head in the CW yet. Tillerson? We know he’s an experienced global enthusiast.

      Robert N. Schwartz

    • Adela says

      Horace: I LOVE YOUR PHILOSOPHY! We’re trying to dictate to our President Donald Trump what to do. UNHEARD OF!!! Let’s praise him and our luck for his willingness to be our President; otherwise we’d be under the claws of mrs. c. who’s sick in her head, who would thoroughly follow obama’s orders if she were president! :o)

  17. Carolyn Reilly says

    John McCain has been in elected office for years and has done nothing to avert the end of Social Security, nothing to stop the abuse of Veterans, voted for bills that sunk the country deeper in debt yet he has an interest in President-elect Trump’s choices for Secretary of State as it relates to Russia. The US spends billions on war interests that result from endless polarization with other nations. You can’t make America great again if you are busy wasting tax money on foolish investigations into Russian activities. The DNC and.Clinton campaign e-mails could have been hacked by anybody- anywhere. Those e-,mails, like Hillary’s server,unprotected. were unprotected and fair game to hackers. I hope the Republicans take more seats in Congress, in the future, and move out the elected officials who participated in putting our country in a vulnerable position economically and with our international relations.

    • Dr. Robert Schwartz says

      Much truth in your frank assessment, Carolyn. I respect Senator McCain, but I place him on the hit-list when we get “term limits.”

  21. Christopher S. O'Rourke says

    Mike Huckabee would have been a very good choice for Secretary of State, Conservative has sound good morals. John McCain should have had Mike Huckabee as his running mate when her ran for Figurehead in 2008. Mike Huckabee would be great in the Trump cabinet in a cabinet position.

    • Adela says

      Oh no, Huckabee is too much of a softy like liberals! As is also Romney with the undesirable addition of his polygamist Mormon religion. John McCain is useless! I’m happy our President Donald Trump skipped these our! :o)

  25. Paul says

    So far I trust Trump’s judgement. The left prefers to portray him as an imbecile, but he didn’t get where he is without being very astute. Plus he is surrounding himself with some very bright minds.

  27. Charles Amburgy says

    Tillerson, Condoleezza Rice or Newt Gingrich. I would consider it a slap in the face if it was Mitt Romney!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  28. elsa says

    Who ever he picks I agree because it it to make America great again, that is why he is taking his time.

  29. Marge Schoen says

    JOHN BOLTON is the mot qualified person in the U.S. to be Secretary of State in lieu of Newt who doesn’t want a cabinet position.
    Maybe Bolton can shut the dems up about the election results too!

  30. frank asaro says

    Obama is running from some real serious problems that are about to be uncovered, Clinton was to be his cover, now she has been exposd and Obama is about to crash.
    This CIA breach is the first of many, Trump does not trust them and he is right. No one knows who the Hackers are, hell maybe from the inside and to blam Russia without evidence is wrong.
    Im a patriot, fought for our country and frankly am very sick of all the bullshit.

  31. John G. says

    President Trumps cabinet choices are so much better than O’bozo’s the “Big Eared” Clowns and will lap them in accomplishments which will be the real barometer.

  35. Texas Gunslinger says

    Bolton for sure! He has had his disagreements with the Osama regime countless times and thought Hillary was an idiot. He has knowledge of what is expected of a secretary of state, the players as well as our Constitution!

  36. Scouse says

    The CIA and FBI will be getting new bosses soon. Sheriff Clarke will look good in the FBI!

    CIA? Allen West!

    But he is black? So is Sheriff Clarke. That means nothing.

  38. Danny Jain says

    If Trump is looking for new world alignments, such as US>India>Russia, instead of US>China>Japan, it cannot get better than Exxon CEO, who has connections needed to work with presumed (wrongly, all by Obama) foe Putin.
    Regards,
    Thinking-Right

  39. Don Old Guy says

    John Bolton who can talk to both Newt and Condi Rice, as well as stand up to the “bullying” that Putin finds so appealing. He has enough military advice available, he won’t make the same stupid errors seen in Hilliarly and Hanoi John in dealing with enemies.
    He also is a firm believer in the concept of “reliability” when working with friends. We have to recover some credibility in the world after the last 8 years of disastrous inconsistency.

  43. MrTruth says

    Bad move, Donald. Get Rudy Giuliani on the phone and beg him to reconsider. Second choice: John Bolton.

  44. Justin W says

    As we have seen from Obama/Clinton the secretary of state’s actions can affect the people’s perception of the president and administration. Ultimately Mr. Trump needs to surround himself with people he trusts who can handle their duties competently.

  46. Joseph says

    We thought enough of Trump to make him our President. Let him choose his team. Tillerson knows Russia as no other with respect to their culture, strengths and weaknesses. They are, after all our most important ally or enemy. Best to keep them close. Exxon had dealings all over the world so world travel to the power centers is no mystery to him. He takes the job knowing Trump ran on the theme: “Make AMERICA great again”. We will be watching that it is Tillerson’s theme also.

  47. Betsy Reeves says

    Trump here is once again thinking out of the box with Tillerson as this is an extremely creative idea… You can tell the time and earnestness and thought to decisions he is making…You can tell he is not just filling slots for cronies. God bless Him!

    • Betsy says

      Trump -again thinking out of the box! Tillerson is extremely creative idea for SOS.. agree with Rosech.. time for new attitudes and approaches as world is fast changing.

  48. Tom Brady says

    And we all thought Rudy and or Newt were the worse possible choices for SoS…………. Nope, Trump did it again, he surpassed everyone’s “worst possible: candidate theories…..with a doozie….. Rex … really? What does this fool know about being SoS? Good Lord help us all…………..

    • Adela says

      Ted Nugent is a repulsive and CRUEL animal murderer! Hunting for fun….fun for this sadist, but misery, suffering and murder for his victims, the innocent living beings whose heads hang on his walls!

      *Animals are worth nothing to hunters, millions to the wildlife agencies, billions to the weapons industry… but priceless to us who fight for their liberation! Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting

      *When a man wants to murder a tiger, he calls it sport; when a tiger wants to murder him he calls it ferocity. George Bernard Shaw

      *H U N T : A 4-letter word!

    • PattieA says

      It’s better to keep our enemies close to our chest so we know what they are up to. We know our friends.

  53. Bang Hoang says

    Mr. President-Elect,
    Yes, any candidate you trust for this job, who can best defend US national interests. You cannot make America Great Again if you choose Mitt Romney for Sec of State, because he was and is always a LOOSER to represent America.

  54. martha says

    I am for this man. We need someone who can negotiate with other country. Look what John Kerry was doing with Iran. He is a terrible negotiator. We need fresh start and Trump is gutsy to pick someone like this man. I’m looking forward to see our
    country’s future. We all need to shut up and give this man a chance.

    • Adela says

      “We all need to shut up and give this man a chance.”

      Marta, you have said a golden sentence here. THANK YOU!!! That’s what we need to do. To support our President Donald Trump as thoroughly and as sincerely as we can. At this critical moment where those wretched electors are planning to steal our President Trump’s Presidency by not voting for him on Jan. 20, he needs our constant help and shut the mouth of those Trump fans’ idiots who keep throwing more criticism on him so that the demotards pick them up and get more encouraged to fight against our President.

  60. John Powledge says

    Ah yes, just what we need for the new Secretary of State: a friend of the Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. Trump is proving himself the buffoon he presented himself as during the election by choosing this hack. What is so hard to understand, the Russian government is not our friend!

  61. Paul G. says

    I always liked John Bolton. Years ago he was our rep at the United Nations and took no guff from these other countries. John told them where to go in no uncertain words, but our president at the time was not ready for a real leader at the U.N. and they pulled him out.

  63. Tom says

    No Romney. Bolton, Newt, or Rudy would be a good choice, however, my choice Mike Huckabee would be an excellent choice.

  64. Denver D. Burlison says

    I do not know Bolton or Tillerson personally but I would wager very few of those posting these comment do either. So I choose to trust
    President Elect Trump in making sure he knows them, before making his choice known to the world. He has to work with them as well
    as live with the results of their labor if he chooses them for his team. Give him a chance before finding fault.

  65. hippiechick294 says

    My No.1 choice would be Newt Gingrich and then John Bolton. Definitely not Mitt Romney.
    Not pleased with his choice. Secretary of State needs foreign policy experience and it seems the only
    country he has, is Russia.

  66. Dawg# says

    Personally, I’ve been thinking that John Bolten is the best choice of the ones in the running, but several good ones have been mentioned so far as well. Notwithstanding, I’m trying to wrap my head around which is worse, being a close friend and business associate with Putin, or having Bill Ayres and George Soros as mentors like Obama has???…..Liberal Democrats are two-faced hypocrites as well as lying, cheating, lowlife snakes.

  67. RJintheUSA says

    Ron Paul,Clint Eastwood or Chuck Norris for SoS, I would prefer someone who loves this country more than the job.

  69. retired says

    whomever Trump wants i am sure will fill the position, in essence we voted Trump in to make his own pick….. WE as voters selected Trump to run the country. i for one will accept who he picks….. any pick is better than what we had??

  73. Tom schuyler says

    I have always thought Newt would have been the man for the job. However, we all know he wants another role for himself. Bolton is a good man and I hope if he is not the pick, that he consider being Tilleston’s deputy. Trump is not a man that makes many bad decisions. I trust him to pick the right man!

  74. Bobi Moreno says

    I trust John Bolton. He is a fair,no nonsense man of character and experience, and a favorite of the American people.