Washington (WBAP/KLIF News) – After a somewhat stormy relationship, President Trump sent his Secretary of State packing.
Rex Tillerson has been fired and will be replaced by current CIA Director Mike Pompeo.
Tillerson said he received a call from Air Force One about his termination around noon on Tuesday, hours after President Trump tweeted that he had decided to fire him.
He outlined his departure a few hours after the call.
“As such effective at the end of the day, I am delegating all responsibility of the office of the secretary to Deputy Secretary John Sullivan. My commission as secretary of state will terminate at midnight March 31st,” said Tillerson.
He called for a smooth transition and urged members to the state department to stay on the team after he leaves, highlighting that he believes that the agency has a larger purpose.
“What is most important is to ensure an orderly and smooth transition during a time that the country continues to face significant policy and national security challenges,” said Tillerson.
In a tweet, Trump said Pompeo “will do a fantastic job!”
Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018
Pompeo is to be replaced at CIA by Gina Haspel, Pompeo’s deputy at CIA. She would be the first woman in that role.
Tillerson had just returned from a shortened trip to Africa hours before Trump’s announcement. Trump offered no explanation for the change.
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