Advertisement - story continues below
President-elect Donald Trump has ended his search for a secretary of state, and while of course the media and Trump’s detractors have been critical, some rather influential voices have spoken up in support of the choice.
Trump has decided upon ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to head up the State Department, citing as reasons for the choice his “tenacity, broad experience and deep understanding of geopolitics,” Trump’s transition team told The Washington Post Tuesday.
Though Tillerson will likely see some opposition during the confirmation process, he can apparently count on the support of one of the best and most popular former secretaries of state, Condoleezza Rice.
Advertisement - story continues below
Rice, who served admirably during the George W. Bush administration, took to her Facebook page Tuesday morning to post a message about Tillerson potentially being the nation’s next top diplomat.
“Rex Tillerson is an excellent choice for Secretary of State,” Rice wrote. “He will bring to the post remarkable and broad international experience; a deep understanding of the global economy; and a belief in America’s special role in the world.”
“I know Rex as a successful business man and a patriot,” she continued. “He will represent the interests and the values of the United States with resolve and commitment. And he will lead the exceptional men and women of the State Department with respect and dedication.”
Advertisement - story continues below
“I look forward to supporting Rex through the confirmation process and then welcoming him to the family of secretaries of state,” Rice added.
You can read her entire post here:
Advertisement - story continues below
According to Breitbart, Rice runs a consulting firm with fellow former Bush administration alumnus and former defense secretary Robert Gates, who also offered support for Tillerson, citing his knowledge, experience and success in dealing with governments all over the world. (Their firm represents ExxonMobil, it should be noted.)
This is rather high praise for Tillerson coming from two well-respected former top officials. Their support should help win over recalcitrant Republicans who may be wavering on supporting his nomination.
Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake took to Twitter with a reasonable response:
The fact that Condi Rice, James Baker and Bob Gates are recommending Tillerson carries considerable weight. I look forward to the hearings.
— Jeff Flake (@JeffFlake) December 13, 2016
Furthermore, Rice is highly regarded as an expert when it comes to Russia, so her support for Tillerson should put to rest the worries that Tillerson has too close a relationship with the Kremlin to represent American interests effectively.
Hopefully Tillerson is given a fair hearing by the Senate and granted confirmation to begin serving as soon as possible following Trump’s inauguration, as there is much work to be done.
Please share this on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word that former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is supporting Rex Tillerson as the next chief of the State Department.
