ExxonMobil Chief Rex Tillerson has emerged as the lead candidate for pick as secretary of state in President-elect Donald Trump’s administration taking shape ahead of its inception on January 20, 2016.
Quoting unnamed Trump aides, several media outlets reported Trump is expected to nominate Tillerson as his choice for top American diplomat – a prospect that led to speculations about difficulties that may awaite the possible nominee’s getting Senate approval due to his work in Russia.
As a senior executive for the petroleum giant, Tillerson worked around the world including in Russia, where he developed relations with President Vladimir Putin.
The Washington Post reported two top Republican leaders, Sens. John McCain (Ariz.) and Lindsey O. Graham (S.C.), have already “voiced concerns about Tillerson’s serving as the nation’s top diplomat because of his ties to Putin.”
Meanwhile, Trump is also said to be considering former US ambassador to the UN, John R. Bolton, as deputy secretary of state.
