Rex Tillerson: An ‘Excellent Choice’ For Secretary Of State

Former Secretaries Of State: Tillerson Has ‘Remarkable And Broad International Experience’ And ‘Demonstrated … Management And Negotiating Skills’

FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE JAMES A. BAKER III: “Rex Tillerson, who is a friend of mine, is an excellent choice to head the State Department and has an opportunity to be a very effective Secretary of State. As CEO of one of the world’s largest and best-run companies, has demonstrated the management and negotiating skills, and has the international experience, that are required in the job. Further, I am confident he will understand the global challenges facing the United States and has the intellect to address them.” (“What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State, Presidential Transition Website, 12/13/2016)

FORMER SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE: “Rex Tillerson is an excellent choice for Secretary of State. 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 businessman and a patriot. 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. I look forward to supporting Rex through the confirmation process and then welcoming him to the family of Secretaries of State.” (“What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State, Presidential Transition Website, 12/13/2016)

Former National Security Leaders: Tillerson Is ‘A Person Of Great Integrity’ Featuring ‘Vast Experience, Ability, And Judgment’

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT DICK CHENEY: “The selection of Rex Tillerson to be Secretary of State is an inspired choice. I’ve known Rex for many years both in his role as the Chairman and CEO of Exxon and as a personal friend. He has the vast experience, ability, and judgment to deal with the very dangerous world we find confronting us. His extensive knowledge of the global situation will be an asset in representing our nation. As the Chairman and CEO of Exxon, he has operated in nations all over the globe, and managed one of our largest corporations. I’m confident that he will do a superb job promoting our national interests in dealing with the complex and difficult choices that are on the agenda for the next administration.” (“What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State, Presidential Transition Website, 12/13/2016)

FORMER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROBERT GATES: “I strongly endorse the President-elect’s selection of Rex Tillerson to be the next Secretary of State. He would bring to the position vast knowledge, experience and success in dealing with dozens of governments and leaders in every corner of the world. He is a person of great integrity whose only goal in office would be to protect and advance the interests of the United States. I know this Eagle Scout will be a global champion of the best values of our country.” (“What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State, Presidential Transition Website, 12/13/2016)

FORMER NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR STEPHEN HADLEY: “It is a strong choice. Mr. Tillerson has broad experience and established relationships throughout the world. They will be of enormous value as the new administration develops its foreign policy strategy and approach.” (“What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State, Presidential Transition Website, 12/13/2016)

Foreign Relations Committee Members Call Tillerson A ‘World-Class Player’ ‘Very Much In The Mainstream Of US Foreign Policy’

SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN BOB CORKER (R-TN): “I very much appreciated President-elect Trump calling me last night to let me know that he would be nominating Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State. Mr. Tillerson is a very impressive individual and has an extraordinary working knowledge of the world.” (“What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State, Presidential Transition Website, 12/13/2016)

• SEN. CORKER: “I had a long private conversion with him. . . I think what people are going to find when they hear Tillerson in the hearing is that he's very, very much in the mainstream of US foreign policy thinking.” (“Corker: Tillerson's Foreign Policy Views Are 'Mainstream' Even On Russia,” CNN, 1/04/2017)

• SEN. CORKER: “[A]ppreciated a call I received from President George W. Bush, who spoke highly of Mr. Tillerson and offered support for his nomination.” (Sen. Corker, @SenBobCorker, Twitter, 12/16/2016)

SEN. JIM RISCH (R-ID): “He’s certainly a smart, very competent individual, has run a company very successfully. That’s the impression I came away with.” (Josh Rogin, “Rex Tillerson Talks Tough On Russia In Private Capitol Hill Meetings,” The Washington Post, 1/04/2017)

SEN. RON JOHNSON (R-WI): “I have been impressed with the experience and competence of President-elect Trump's nominees. The nomination of Mr. Tillerson adds another world-class player to the team.” (“Ron Johnson: Donald Trump Pick For Secretary Of State A ‘World-Class Player,’” The [Madison, WI] Journal Times, 12/13/2016)

SEN. CORY GARDNER (R-CO): “Mr. Tillerson is an accomplished businessman and job creator who has a firm grasp on geopolitics . . .” (Sen. Gardner, Press Release, 1/05/2017)

SEN. JOHNNY ISAKSON (R-GA): “Mr. Tillerson has an impressive background with unique experience and extensive knowledge of working in a global environment.” (“What They Are Saying: Leaders Praise Tillerson for Secretary of State, Presidential Transition Website, 12/13/2016)