Rex Tillerson affirms loyalty to Trump, says he ‘never’ considered leaving State post
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson denied reports Wednesday that Vice President Mike Pence had to convince him to stay on in the administration.
“There’s never been a consideration in my mind to leave,” Mr. Tillerson said at a press conference, adding that he has had to “dispel this notion” several times.
He also said Mr. Pence has never had to persuade him to stay on as secretary of state, as had been reported by NBC News.
SEE ALSO: Rex Tillerson furious with Trump on policy decisions: Report
Mr. Tillerson declined to address whether he referred to the president as a “moron,” as reported by NBC.
“The places I come from, we don’t deal with that petty nonsense,” he said.
Mr. Tillerson said he had not spoken with President Trump Wednesday morning. Mr. Trump did tweet his reaction to the report prior to the news conference, accusing NBC News of “dishonest reporting.”
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“NBC news is #FakeNews and more dishonest than even CNN. They are a disgrace to good reporting. No wonder their news ratings are way down!” Mr. Trump tweeted.
Mr. Tillerson praised Mr. Trump’s policy goals saying the president “breaks the mold” and gave “voice to millions who felt completely abandoned by the political status quo.”
The secretary of state said that he has worked with both United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Secretary of Defense James Mattis on numerous policy decisions involving North Korea and the Islamic State.
“What we have accomplished we have done as a team,” he said.
Earlier reports suggested friction within the national security team, with Ms. Haley being considered for Mr. Tillerson’s job should he resign.The Washington Times
