Sen. Marco Rubio fired a warning shot at secretary of state nominee Rex Tillerson, saying he has “serious concerns” that the Exxon Mobil CEO might have conflicts of interest and a lack of “moral clarity” needed in the nation’s top diplomat.
“While Rex Tillerson is a respected businessman, I have serious concerns about his nomination,” the Florida Republican said Tuesday morning. “The next secretary of state must be someone who views the world with moral clarity, is free of potential conflicts of interest, has a clear sense of America’s interests, and will be a forceful advocate for America’s foreign policy goals to the president, within the administration, and on the world stage.”
Rubio’s skepticism of Tillerson traces back to his work with Russia as Exxon Mobil CEO. Tillerson has known Russian President Vladimir Putin since 1999 and received the Russian Order of Friendship from Putin in 2013, after negotiating a major energy deal with a state-run oil company.
“One of the things I know about the Russian government: I’m very predictable. And they know if I say no it means no. And talking about it more isn’t going to change that. No is still going to be no,” Tillerson said last year, as the Washington Post noted. “Over the years we’ve earned each other’s respect. Then when you say yes, you know we’ll follow through. It means something.”
Republicans have only a one-seat majority on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, of which Rubio is a member, so he could be a headache for the Trump team if his skepticism develops into full-blown opposition.
“I look forward to learning more about his record and his views,” Rubio said. “I will do my part to ensure he receives a full and fair but also thorough hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”
