President-elect Trump’s selection of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of state is “not particularly surprising” considering his posture toward Russia during the election season, the White House said Tuesday.

“Generally, throughout his campaign, the president-elect indicated his intent if elected to pursue warmer relations with Russia,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters.

Recommended Stories

Trump can’t shake his Russia problems

Senate Dem: Tillerson has no foreign policy, diplomatic experience

White House denies pushing ‘midnight regulations’