Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s team acknowledged that President Trump and his top diplomat diverged over the administration’s response to the white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Va.
Tillerson avoided affirming that Trump represents American values during a Sunday interview, an unusual breach within an administration. His team chose not to downplay the split, but instead confirmed that Tillerson is keeping his distance.
“[Tillerson] isn’t being critical, but more so re-establishing without confusion what are known American values,” an aide told CNN. “The values start from the Constitution. The president’s job is to uphold those values. Did he do the best job ever responding to Charlottesville? Nope. But that doesn’t mean America changes.”
That explanation followed Tillerson’s refusal to defend Trump from a United Nations committee that accused the president of failing “to unequivocally reject and condemn” racism.
“I don’t believe anyone doubts the American people’s values or the commitment of the American government or the government’s agencies to advancing those values and defending those values,” Tillerson said on “Fox News Sunday.”
Asked if that statement applies to Trump, Tillerson demurred twice. “The president speaks for himself,” he said.
Public disagreements between Trump and his advisers are more common than in previous administrations. Tillerson, for instance, didn’t hide his opposition to Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord.
“My view didn’t change. My views were heard out,” Tillerson told senators during a hearing in June. “I respect that the president heard my views, but I respect the decision he’s taken.”
His aide acknowledged that the disagreements can be uncomfortable, however. “He is in a tough spot. No doubt,” the source said in the interview.
