Mitt Romney Out Of Running, Rex Tillerson In As Secretary Of State Nominee
WASHINGTON (CBS/AP) — Mitt Romney is out of the running for Secretary of State, writing on Facebook that it "was an honor to have been considered" for the job in Donald Trump's Cabinet.
The former Massachusetts governor writes: "My discussions with President-elect Trump have been both enjoyable and enlightening. I have very high hopes that the new administration will lead the nation to greater strength, prosperity and peace."
It was an honor to have been considered for Secretary of State of our great country. https://t.co/FC9tB7rdoy
— Mitt Romney (@MittRomney) December 13, 2016
Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential candidate, was a vocal critic of Trump during the election. Some of Trump's senior advisers warned that tapping Romney for the job at State would anger the president-elect's loyal supporters.
Shortly after Romney's announcement, CBS News confirmed Donald Trump will pick Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as his Secretary of State.
BREAKING: @CBSNews confirms that Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson will be Donald Trump's pick for Secretary of State.
— Josh Elliott (@JoshElliott32) December 13, 2016
The official announcement came early Tuesday morning.
BREAKING: Trump has chosen ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be secretary of state, said his transition team https://t.co/vJRHnJx90j pic.twitter.com/sbPOby9WDR
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 13, 2016
Tillerson's nomination must now be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
In @transition2017 statement, Tillerson is called one of "the most accomplished business leaders and international dealmakers" (2/2) #Trump
— WBZ NewsRadio (@wbznewsradio) December 13, 2016
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