President-elect Donald Trump has chosen ExxonMobil Chief Executive Rex Tillerson as his nominee to serve as his secretary of State. “Rex Tillerson’s career is the embodiment of the American dream,” Trump said in a statement. “Through hard work, dedication, and smart dealmaking, Rex rose through the ranks to become CEO of ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest and most respected companies. His tenacity, broad experience, and deep understanding of geopolitics make him an excellent choice for secretary of State.” The real-estate mogul considered several people for the position, including former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. “It was an honor to have been considered for secretary of State of our great country,” Romney wrote on Facebook.
The thing I like best about Rex Tillerson is that he has vast experience at dealing successfully with all types of foreign governments.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2016
I have chosen one of the truly great business leaders of the world, Rex Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of ExxonMobil, to be Secretary of State.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2016