Former American ambassador to the United Nations and New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson would rather have former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani be President-elect Trump’s secretary of state than Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson.
Speaking on John Catsimatidis’ radio show in New York, Richardson said Giuliani is known as a dealmaker and Tillerson’s history with Russia is problematic.
“I’m concerned about his ties to Russia. The good thing about him is former Secretary of State James Baker likes him and I like Baker,” Richardson said.
“Oil diplomacy is not the same as regular diplomacy,” he said. “When you’re negotiating an oil deal, it’s a commercial decision. It’s what’s best for the ratepayers. It’s what is best for Exxon shareholders, and not necessarily what’s best for the American people. Although maybe sometimes they coincide.”
Giuliani was in the running for the job, but eventually pulled himself out of consideration for an administration post. He elected to return to his consulting business after taking a leave of absence to campaign with Trump and help him in the early days of the transition.
Giuliani is now expected to lead a cybersecurity group that will advise Trump.
“I would have picked Rudy Giuliani because I know he’s supported overseas. People respect him,” Richardson said. “I know he’s got his rough edges. I think in the campaign he went a little far. But the guy gets things done.”
