Tillerson refutes reports that he considered resigning, says Trump is 'smart' but doesn't deny calling him a 'moron' in wild press conference
Thomson Reuters
In a short statement, Tillerson said that a report that he had openly criticized President Donald Trump after a meeting with his national security team and Cabinet officials at the Pentagon was "petty" and characterized it as an attempt by the media and others to undermine the administration.
"I'm not gonna deal with petty stuff like that," he said in response to a question about an NBC News report that he called Trump a "moron."
"The places I come from, we don't deal with that kind of petty nonsense and it's intended to do nothing but divide people. And I'm not going to be part of this effort to divide the administration."
He more specifically denied reports that he had to be convinced by Vice President Mike Pence to remain in his position last summer.
"The vice president has never had to persuade me to stay as secretary of state because I have never considered leaving this post," he said. "There's never been a consideration in my mind to leave."
Tillerson went on to praise Trump, the administration more broadly, and his colleagues at the State Department.
"This administration will keep moving forward as one team with one mission doing great things for the United States of America to make America great again," he concluded.
Both before and after Tillerson's press conference, Trump tweeted slamming the NBC report.
"NBC news is #FakeNews and more dishonest than even CNN," Trump tweeted before Tillerson spoke. "They are a disgrace to good reporting. No wonder their news ratings are way down!"
After the press conference, Trump sent another tweet saying Tillerson denied the NBC report.
"The @NBCNews story has just been totally refuted by Sec. Tillerson and @VP Pence," he tweeted. "It is #FakeNews. They should issue an apology to AMERICA!"
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas
- JNK India IPO allotment date
- JioCinema New Plans
- Realme Narzo 70 Launched
- Apple Let Loose event
- Elon Musk Apology
- RIL cash flows
- Charlie Munger
- Feedbank IPO allotment
- Tata IPO allotment
- Most generous retirement plans
- Broadcom lays off
- Cibil Score vs Cibil Report
- Birla and Bajaj in top Richest
- Nestle Sept 2023 report
- India Equity Market