Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the nomination of Rex Tillerson, CEO of ExxonMobil, to serve as the next Secretary of State.
“Another day, another disturbing cabinet choice for Donald Trump, who lost the popular vote. After ignoring intelligence reports that Russia interfered with U.S. elections, Trump has nominated someone who is more aligned with Putin than our NATO allies to be our nation’s top diplomat. As Russia seeks to undermine western cohesion in Europe, Trump has tapped someone who has publicly advocated for lifting U.S. sanctions on Russia and has a financial interest in doing so.”
“To make matters worse, Trump’s pick is the head of ExxonMobil, an oil company hurting from sanctions on Russia, and one that knew the dangers of climate change, but engaged in a campaign of climate disinformation to protect its own bottom line. Tillerson’s deception has resulted in multiple investigations by state Attorneys General, a federal investigation by the SEC, and a shareholder lawsuit.”
“The nomination of Tillerson as our Secretary of State should trouble all those who care about American leadership and values, Republicans and Democrats alike. I call on my Senate colleagues to reject Tillerson and his behavior of misleading the American public.”
Congressman Ted W. Lieu serves on the House Committees on the Budget and Oversight & Government Reform.
He also serves on the National Security Subcommittee on Oversight & Government Reform.
He is also the Democratic Freshman Class President and a Colonel in the Air Force Reserves.
