Shortly after it was reported that President-elect Donald Trump is considering to appoint Exxon Mobil Corporation CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, the potential nomination has been met with criticism. But, as noted by Reince Priebus, the upcoming White House Chief of Staff for Trump’s administration, the negative analysis by critics on Tillerson is premature.
Like Trump, Priebus believes Tillerson is more than capable of handling one of the country’s highest diplomatic position. As head of one of the largest companies in the world, Tillerson would be able to utilize his background in forging international business ties to developing foreign policy.
However, shortly after reports emerged that Tillerson was being considered as the next Secretary of State, the CEO became the center of various political criticisms. One of the most prominent points raised about Tillerson was his business relationship with President Vladimir Putin of Russia.
But, for Priebus, the preconceived notions such as this about the Exxon chief should be dismissed since it is still too early to comment on his duties as Secretary of State.
“This sort of analysis is a little premature,” Priebus said according to The Washington Times. “But as to Rex Tillerson, he is one of the preeminent business people not just in America but in the entire world.”
Trump also defended Tillerson and even stressed that his ties with the Russian government could serve as an advantage of the incoming administration.
With about Russia becoming a global threat, the new U.S. government under Trump’s leadership should strive to establish foreign policies designed to ease international tension. According to the president-elect, since Tillerson already knows many of the world’s leaders through his position at Exxon, he will be able to easily establish ties between various nations and the U.S.
“He’s more than a business executive; he’s a world-class player,” Trump said according to The Wall Street Journal.
