Outgoing Secretary of State Rex Tillerson offered a message of gratitude and praise to U.S. diplomats and State Department employees Friday and told them he is praying for them and the country.
Tillerson sent the farewell message, obtained by the Associated Press, to U.S. embassies and consulates around the world days after he was fired by President Trump.
“It is no exaggeration to say that the men and women representing our nation are among the most talented, dedicated, and patriotic Americans in public service,” Tillerson said in his message. “You embody a commitment to our American values of freedom, individual liberty, human dignity, and equality.”
“I am proud of what we have accomplished together. I am proud of you,” he said.
The nation’s top diplomat also encouraged the diplomatic corps to “continue to exhibit the leadership qualities for which you are distinguished” as the State Department transitions to new leadership.
Trump announced on Twitter Tuesday that he had terminated Tillerson and selected CIA Director Mike Pompeo to take his place. Tillerson did not mention the president in the message, but reassured colleagues the State Department is “in good hands” with Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.
Tillerson will leave government service March 31, but said Tuesday afternoon he was delegating the authorities of secretary of state to Sullivan until then.
“I urge you to remain focused on our shared mission and embrace an orderly and smooth transition process,” he said. “I have every confidence that you will continue to work diligently to advance our national interests and our values as a nation.”
Tillerson’s future at the State Department was the subject of rumors throughout 2017, though he had vowed to remain in the post.
He addressed his ouster in a short news conference Tuesday and urged State Department employees to “remain at their posts” in the wake of his departure. He also praised the work of the diplomatic corps, a message he reiterated Friday.
“In all my visits to posts around the world, I have been humbled and impressed by the scarifies our team members in the field make every day. Many of you serve at great personal risk, including in hardship posts and conflict areas. You forsake the comforts of home to endure long periods of separation from family and friends,” Tillerson said.
“Although you typically receive little recognition or acclaim for these sacrifices, your uncommon devotion allows hundreds of millions of Americans to live in peace and freedom,” he continued.
Trump and Tillerson had been at odds over different aspects of the president’s foreign policy agenda, including the Iran nuclear deal and the Paris climate deal.
The president announced Tillerson’s firing just after he returned to the U.S. from Africa, a five-nation trip he cut short.
