WASHINGTON — After months of disputes with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, President Trump removed him Tuesday and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to head the State Department.
Trump told reporters he made the decision himself, citing disagreements with Tillerson that included North Korea diplomacy, steel and aluminum tariffs, and the Iran nuclear agreement.
"I think Rex will be much happier now," Trump said.
Tillerson did not immediately comment, but an aide said he wanted to stay as secretary of State.
As for Pompeo, Trump praised his new nominee's "tremendous energy, tremendous intellect," and added that "we’re always on the same wave length. The relationship has been very good and that’s what I need as Secretary of State."
Trump said in a written statement that, at the State Department, Pompeo "will continue our program of restoring America’s standing in the world, strengthening our alliances, confronting our adversaries, and seeking the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."
Speaking later with reporters before his departure on a trip to California, Trump said he got along with Tillerson, but they disagreed on things. Trump cited the Iran nuclear deal in particular: "I think it's terrible, he thinks it's okay." He also complimented Tillerson for "his commitment and his service, and I wish him well. He’s a good man.”
A State Department official sent out a terse reaction to the sudden news.
Steve Goldstein, undersecretary for public diplomacy, said Tillerson "did not speak to the President and is unaware of the reason" for the decision.
"The Secretary had every intention of staying because of the critical progress made in national security," Goldstein said. "He will miss his colleagues at the the Department of State and the foreign ministers he has worked with throughout the world."
Trump first announced the move via tweet.