Who is Rex Tillerson? From Exxon chief to US secretary of state
Donald Trump appears to dismiss concerns of energy leader's 'too-cosy' relationship with Putin
President-elect Donald Trump has officially selected Rex Tillerson to be his secretary of state, much to the alarm of Democrats and some Republicans.
Trump praised the Exxon Mobil chief executive as one of the "most accomplished business leaders and international dealmakers" in the world, but concerns have been raised about his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Like others in the new Trump Cabinet, the ExxonMobil chief executive lacks any experience in government but will try to apply his experience in the business world to the realm of diplomacy," says the Washington Post.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What is Tillerson's background?
Born in Texas in 1952, Tillerson graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1975. He then spent four decades at what is now Exxon Mobil, working his way up to become chief executive in 2006. Trump claims the businessman's career is "the embodiment of the American dream". He has four children and lives in Irving, Texas.
What about his ties with Russia?
In saying he will nominate Tillerson, Trump is "dismissing bipartisan concerns the globe-trotting leader of an energy giant has a too-cosy relationship with Vladimir Putin", says the New York Post. Both Republicans and Democrats have already warned Tillerson will face "intense scrutiny over his two-decade relationship with Russia, which awarded him its Order of Friendship in 2013", says the newspaper. His company also has billions of dollars in oil contracts that can only go forward if the US lifts sanctions against Russia.
Will he definitely become secretary of state?
The nomination needs Senate approval and Trump faces a potential confrontation with members of his own party. According to CNN, one official has said there is a plan to sell Tillerson to sceptical senators, with the transition team confident the more lawmakers get to know him, the more comfortable they will be with his appointment.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - April 27, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - natural gas, fundraising with Ted Cruz, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Aid to Ukraine: too little, too late?
Talking Point House of Representatives finally 'met the moment' but some say it came too late
By The Week UK Published
-
5 generously funny cartoons on the $60 billion foreign aid package
Cartoons Artists take on Republican opposition, aid to Ukraine, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Justices set to punt on Trump immunity case
Speed Read Conservative justices signaled support for Trump's protection from criminal charges
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Biden is smart to keep the border-security pressure on'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Arizona grand jury indicts 18 in Trump fake elector plot
Speed Read The state charged Mark Meadows, Rudy Giuliani and other Trump allies in 2020 election interference case
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Voters know Biden and Trump all too well'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Who will win the 2024 presidential election?
In Depth Election year is here. Who are pollsters and experts predicting to win the White House?
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
National Enquirer helped Trump in 2016, ex-boss says
Speed Read David Pecker says the tabloid published fabricated content to hurt Trump's rivals
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Make legal immigration a more plausible option'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Sitting in judgment on Trump
Opinion Who'd want to be on this jury?
By Susan Caskie Published