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.
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.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
Taking aim at Venezuela’s autocrat
Feature The Trump administration is ramping up military pressure on Nicolás Maduro. Is he a threat to the U.S.?
-
Comey indictment: Is the justice system broken?
Feature U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of lying and obstructing Congress
-
Government shuts down amid partisan deadlock
Feature As Democrats and Republicans clash over health care and spending, the shutdown leaves 750,000 federal workers in limbo
-
Judge bars Trump’s National Guard moves in Oregon
Speed Read In an emergency hearing, a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump from sending National Guard troops into Portland
-
Russia: already at war with Europe?
Talking Point As Kremlin begins ‘cranking up attacks’ on Ukraine’s European allies, questions about future action remain unanswered
-
Trump declares ‘armed conflict’ with drug cartels
speed read This provides a legal justification for recent lethal military strikes on three alleged drug trafficking boats
-
Why is this government shutdown so consequential?
Today's Big Question Federal employee layoffs could be in the thousands
-
Supreme Court rules for Fed’s Cook in Trump feud
Speed Read Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook can remain in her role following Trump’s attempts to oust her
-
‘This isn’t just semantics’
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
-
Miami Freedom Tower’s MAGA library squeeze
THE EXPLAINER Plans to place Donald Trump’s presidential library next to an iconic symbol of Florida’s Cuban immigrant community has South Florida divided
-
Judge rules Trump illegally targeted Gaza protesters
Speed Read The Trump administration’s push to arrest and deport international students for supporting Palestine is deemed illegal