Sen. Chris Murphy, a Democrat from CT, opposed Tillerson’s nomination, questioning whether the Texan’s close business dealings with Moscow would impact his response to any Russian aggression and arguing that “it is not the same thing to run a global business and run the State Department”. RELATIONS WITH MEDIA Trump lashes out at one of his favorite targets for derision – the news media – complaining to a group of his supporters attending a Black History Month session that most reporters who cover him are a “disgrace”. Mark Warner (D-Va.) voted to advance Tillerson’s nomination.
Previous presidents, both Republicans and Democrats, had a much easier time securing Senate confirmation for their nominees for secretary of state than President Donald Trump. He will be an excellent Secretary of State and a staunch advocate for our country’s national security interests.
Despite this, Senate foreign relations committee chairman Bob Corker said Mr Tillerson “possesses deep relationships around the world and understands the critical role of U.S. leadership”. The company has been accused of trying to cover up the risks of climate change and lying to the public.
Rex Tillerson comes from a fossil fuels background, including time running oil giant Exxon-Mobil.
Mr Tillerson said there should have been a military response to Russian Federation in 2014, and their aggression toward the Ukraine resulted from an “absence of American leadership”. “No one will tolerate disrespect of anyone”.
If that work reverts to regional bureau chiefs, it might dilute focus on energy issues and slow progress, the official said.
“You understand that the job of our diplomats and the mission of the State Department is to serve the interests of the United States of America to make our nation safer, our country more prosperous and our country much more secure”.
Tillerson has not made his views known on Trump’s executive order, but the White House’s response was uncompromising.
“Corporations like to have rules that don’t arbitrarily change”, she said. “It’s very tough. I think it will be quite turbulent”.
Asked if he would support a decision by Tillerson to withdraw from the Paris climate accord, Hoeven demurred.
Former senior State Department official Wendy Sherman says Donald Trump has already set a number of USA allies on edge with his tough talk.
“We apologize for being late”, Tillerson told the agency crowd.
Shortly before joining most Democrats in opposing the former ExxonMobil CEO’s confirmation, Indiana Sen. Key Republicans Marco Rubio of Florida, John McCain of Arizona and Lindsey Graham of SC initially said they were skeptical of Tillerson before backtracking and supporting him, despite reservations about some of his Russia-related answers.
Talking on MSNBC yesterday, Sen. “I think they’ll hold fire for a more controversial nominee”. Florida senator Marco Rubio took the lead, grilling Tillerson on sanctions and Russian human rights violations during the then-nominee’s January confirmation hearing.
At Exxon, Tillerson was the ultimate insider. Instead of standing up to a historically unpopular President, they’re letting Trump hand the State department over to the oil and gas industry. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.).
Advertisement
“My first day’s here”, Tillerson said.
