Thursday, December 15, 2016

7 Things To Know About Trump’s Secretary Of State Pick

So, Donald Trump has selected his Secretary of State: Rex Tillerson, CEO of ExxonMobil. There are a solid number of serious questions about Tillerson, beginning with his overwhelmingly warm relationship with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, for whom Trump displayed similar warmth during the campaign. “I am honored by President-elect Trump’s nomination and share his vision for restoring the credibility of the United States’ foreign relations and advancing our country’s national security,” said Tillerson.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Tillerson Is Pro-Putin. Tillerson has spent more time with Putin than virtually anyone else in the United States. As John Hamre, former deputy defense secretary under Bill Clinton said, “He has more interactive time with Vladimir Putin than probably any other American with the exception of Henry Kissinger.” Tillerson put in place a lucrative oil deal with Putin; that deal was blocked by sanctions. Just after that deal, Putin gave Tillerson the Order of Friendship. The Russians are extraordinarily excited about Tillerson. A Russian MP who mocked the Navy Yard shootings as “American exceptionalism” is over the moon about the Trump pick.
2. Tillerson Is Pro-Global Warming Legislation. As Jim Geraghty of National Review points out this morning, Tillerson has been an advocate of anthropomorphic global warming:
At ExxonMobil, we share the view that the risks of climate change are serious and warrant thoughtful action. Addressing these risks requires broad-based, practical solutions around the world. Importantly, as a result of the Paris agreement, both developed and developing countries are now working together to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, while recognizing differing national responsibilities, capacities and circumstances. In our industry, the best hope for the future is to enable and encourage long-term investments in both proven and new technologies, while supporting effective policies. Which is what we are doing. We have long supported a carbon tax as the best policy of those being considered.
3. Tillerson’s Top Endorsers Have Contracts With Him. Two of the big names being trotted out to defend Tillerson are former Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Rice and Gates run a consulting firm. Can you guess who one of their clients is? You got it: Rex Tillerson. Former Secretary of State James Baker also backs Tillerson…and his law firm has represented Exxon and Russian-owned Rosneft, as well as the Russian state gas company Gazprom.
And there's lots more from Ben Shapiro on Tillerson HERE.

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