Trump names oil executive with ties to Russia as US secretary of state

[webfact]

Trump names oil executive with ties to Russia as US secretary of state

 

 

WASHINGTON: -- Donald Trump has announced that the new US secretary of state will be Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson.

 

Tillerson is a controversial choice as he set up billions of dollars of deals with Russia that can be executed only if the US lifts sanctions imposed over Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine.

 

Tillerson was granted the Russian Order of Friendship in 2013 and has been criticised by senators over his relationship with Putin.

 

Environmentalists will also be concerned by the presence of an oilman at the top of the government, especially given Trump’s known scepticism about global warming.

 

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-12-14

[webfact]

Trump invites Senate clash with Tillerson State nomination

By ERICA WERNER

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump is inviting a clash in the narrowly divided Senate by choosing Rex Tillerson for secretary of State in the face of well-publicized concerns from several GOP senators over the oil executive's ties to Russia.

 

The likely confirmation fight could be an early test of Trump's sway over Congress, and demonstrate how much appetite there is among Republicans to stand up to their president.

 

For now, three Republican senators have publicly voiced concerns about the Tillerson nomination: Sens. John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida. All have cited the Exxon Mobil executive's history of making deals in Russia and his close ties with Vladimir Putin, which include opposing sanctions sought by the U.S. and Europe against Russia after it invaded Crimea.

 

However, none of the three has said thus far that he will oppose Tillerson. And only Rubio sits on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which will hold a confirmation hearing in early January to consider the nomination.

 

"While Rex Tillerson is a respected businessman, I have serious concerns about his nomination. 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," Rubio said. "I will do my part to ensure he receives a full and fair but also thorough hearing."

 

The committee currently has 10 Republican and 9 Democratic members, meaning Tillerson needs support from every Republican to get a successful committee vote, presuming Democrats all oppose him. Yet even if the panel rejects him, there is precedent for the full Senate to take up his nomination.

 

The Senate will be divided 52-48 next year in favor of the Republicans, meaning Tillerson could lose only two Republicans if all Democrats voted "No." It's also possible, though, that Tillerson could garner support from one or more of the moderate Democrats.

 

The last time the Senate rejected a presidential Cabinet pick was in 1989 when it voted down John Tower as George H.W. Bush's defense secretary after he had already been rejected by the Armed Services committee. More frequently, nominees have withdrawn from consideration when opposition built, as happened in 2009 with Tom Daschle, President Barack Obama's first pick for Health and Human Services secretary.

 

It was unclear Tuesday whether the fight over Tillerson would turn into a major brawl in the Senate or just a minor skirmish. One question is how hard Democrats, who've made clear they want to focus on economic issues, will fight. Several issued statements Tuesday angrily denouncing the nomination, but the Democrats' incoming leader, Chuck Schumer of New York, was more measured, pointing to Tillerson's Russia ties and calling for a thorough and lengthy confirmation hearing "given these serious concerns."

 

Tillerson immediately picked up support from the top two Senate Republicans, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas. McConnell praised Tillerson's "decades of experience" and concluded: "I look forward to supporting his nomination."

 

The chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Bob Corker of Tennessee, who was himself passed over for the job at State, also issued a favorable statement, though without saying how he planned to vote. Several other GOP committee members issued statements praising Tillerson or sounding open to his nomination. Still others were taking a wait-and-see approach, including Sen. Cory Gardner of Colorado, who said: "Congress has the constitutional responsibility of advice and consent and we will rigorously exercise it."

 

In talking points circulated on Capitol Hill, Trump's transition team sought to portray Tillerson's ties to Russia as a positive. "Mr. Tillerson's experience with Russia and the Russian president will prove to be invaluable. President Putin knows Mr. Tillerson means what he says," the talking points say.

 

For congressional Republicans and Trump, a major question hanging over their emerging relationship is what steps Trump may take to keep party members in line, and how Republicans will respond in turn. Few GOP lawmakers, especially those up for re-election, want to be on the receiving end of a critical tweet from Trump. The Tillerson confirmation may offer clues to how that dynamic will play out throughout Trump's administration, including when Trump takes policy stances contrary to GOP dogma, such as pushing for stiff tariffs on imports or a massive infrastructure bill.

 

Electoral considerations may already be playing into lawmakers' posture toward Trump. GOP Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona, who serves on the Foreign Relations Committee, was one of the most outspoken Republicans against Trump ahead of the election, including challenging him to his face during a Capitol Hill visit in July.

 

But Flake is up for re-election in 2018 in a state Trump won, and has already drawn a conservative primary opponent. On Tuesday, Flake issued a statement sounding open to Tillerson's nomination, citing his support from former secretaries of State and Defense marshaled by Trump's team.

 

Backing from former Secretaries of State James Baker and Condoleezza Rice, and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates carry "considerable weight," Flake said. "I look forward to the hearings."

___

Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick contributed to this report.

 

-- © Associated Press 2016-12-14

[NanLaew]

Confirmation fail.

[Emster23]

" Tillerson was granted the Russian Order of Friendship in 2013...." with a side of fries. Republicans used to be known as the hard asses when it came to Russia. Oh how times have changed....

[avander]

Big business has been running the US for a long time.  Trump is putting it squarely in the open.

 

By the people, for the people......yeah sure.

 

[Silurian]

3 minutes ago, avander said:

Big business has been running the US for a long time.  Trump is putting it squarely in the open.

 

By the people, for the people......yeah sure.

 

 

Well they never said which "people" did they?

 

It is a whole new kind of "trickle down" economics called "drip down" economics. The whole trickle thing was moving wealth down a little too much so better turn the tap to almost off and just let it drip. Can't have the middle class gaining any additional wealth and power. Too scary. Better keep the masses placated by handing out free baseball caps instead. Something they can be proud to wear and remind themselves of better days.

 

[craigt3365]

On one hand, this guys seems to be a good pick as he is a very successful person and has been engaged in international negotiations.  On the other, he has serious vested interests and NO background in the government arena.  Not a good choice, IMHO.

[Thaidream]

A vry poor choice and sending the wrong message to the World. This pick has no real experience and no understanding how diplomacy works. When you are Secretary of State you do not negotiate in the same way as negotiating a business deal. You are representing a Nation and its people and ideals. The problem in America is it is short  on real ideals and goals and operates on the premise that might makes right and the greed is good.  

[avander]

36 minutes ago, Silurian said:

 

Well they never said which "people" did they?

 

It is a whole new kind of "trickle down" economics called "drip down" economics. The whole trickle thing was moving wealth down a little too much so better turn the tap to almost off and just let it drip. Can't have the middle class gaining any additional wealth and power. Too scary. Better keep the masses placated by handing out free baseball caps instead. Something they can be proud to wear and remind themselves of better days.

 

In other words "mushroom syndrome". ?

[Berkshire]

Just read an article in the Washington Post about how this pick came to be.  It turns out that Tillerson was recommended by Robert Gates and Condi Rice.  Trump didn't even know the guy.  Interesting how Trump makes high level decisions.  Not criticizing, just find it interesting who he listens to.

[elgordo38]

2 hours ago, Silurian said:

 

Well they never said which "people" did they?

 

It is a whole new kind of "trickle down" economics called "drip down" economics. The whole trickle thing was moving wealth down a little too much so better turn the tap to almost off and just let it drip. Can't have the middle class gaining any additional wealth and power. Too scary. Better keep the masses placated by handing out free baseball caps instead. Something they can be proud to wear and remind themselves of better days.

 

Put the baseball hats in storage and bring them out in 4 years time. Should make for a good laugh. Yes the voting is over and now the voter is forgotten about for another 4 years till its Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy time again and you get to sit on Uncle Donald's knee. 

Edited December 14, 2016 by elgordo38

[Johpa]

To get an idea of the type of "diplomacy" Tillerson represents one should read "The New Great Game" by Kleveman. I am sure Putin is laughing.


Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[Srikcir]

Trump is goving Americans a government of Exxon, by Exxon and for Exxon.

That swamp is going to need higrises.

[Andaman Al]

No support from the Trumpeteers on this one? No justification for the plain unadulterated crookedness of Trumps decisions?

 

7 hours ago, webfact said:

Tillerson is a controversial choice as he set up billions of dollars of deals with Russia that can be executed only if the US lifts sanctions imposed over Vladimir Putin’s actions in Ukraine.

 

You simply could not make this stuff up.

 

Trumps 3 little piggies will be working overtime trying to make use of all the opportunities flying their way now. I imagine Putins cornflakes being spat out and his ribs cracking when he read this one at breakfast this morning. Who would have thought the fall of an empire could have been accompanied by such humourous happenings.

[PremiumLane]

draining the swamp.... 

[Andaman Al]

Just now, PremiumLane said:

draining the swamp.... 

So they can refill it with sewage.

[Grubster]

4 hours ago, Thaidream said:

A vry poor choice and sending the wrong message to the World. This pick has no real experience and no understanding how diplomacy works. When you are Secretary of State you do not negotiate in the same way as negotiating a business deal. You are representing a Nation and its people and ideals. The problem in America is it is short  on real ideals and goals and operates on the premise that might makes right and the greed is good.  

Its been that way since JFK and Trump is probably just more of the same. Hope not.

[Emster23]

Given enough millions of years, swamps can become oil.....

[maewang99]

this is sooooo funny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Linzz]

5 hours ago, Silurian said:

 

Well they never said which "people" did they?

 

It is a whole new kind of "trickle down" economics called "drip down" economics. The whole trickle thing was moving wealth down a little too much so better turn the tap to almost off and just let it drip. Can't have the middle class gaining any additional wealth and power. Too scary. Better keep the masses placated by handing out free baseball caps instead. Something they can be proud to wear and remind themselves of better days.

 

 

Typical socialist victimhood post that believes that entitlement to other folks money is a human right. Trickle down worked for you didn't it? Are you not better off than your parents? But no, you believe in redistribution, because if you haven't got enough then it's not fair. You don't believe in growth, just the politics of envy and so cut up the ever reducing cake into smaller and smaller pieces and redistribute. Bet you believe  the government should look after you as well. 

[Andaman Al]

 

 

 

14 minutes ago, Linzz said:

5 hours ago, Silurian said:

 

Well they never said which "people" did they?

 

It is a whole new kind of "trickle down" economics called "drip down" economics. The whole trickle thing was moving wealth down a little too much so better turn the tap to almost off and just let it drip. Can't have the middle class gaining any additional wealth and power. Too scary. Better keep the masses placated by handing out free baseball caps instead. Something they can be proud to wear and remind themselves of better days.

 

 

Typical socialist victimhood post that believes that entitlement to other folks money is a human right. Trickle down worked for you didn't it? Are you not better off than your parents? But no, you believe in redistribution, because if you haven't got enough then it's not fair. You don't believe in growth, just the politics of envy and so cut up the ever reducing cake into smaller and smaller pieces and redistribute. Bet you believe  the government should look after you as well. 

 

I just don't get your thinking as to how you reply in that way to the post you quote. Talk about skewed thinking.

[Thaidream]

Completely disagree with the poster  on wealth redistribution. The fact is that for 40 years wealth has been redistributed from the poor and middle class to the wealthy making them even more wealthy and this along with so called globalization has caused Amereica to start its slide downaward and angering half of the population who have seen no real growth in wages and a lifestyle that has been degraded.

 

Donald Trump states he is for the 'forgotten' but so far his choices in his cabinet have been the very people who have used the redistribution from the 99% to the 1% to get even richer. They could not possibly relate to the 'common man'.  Trump will throw out some  peanuts to the 99% in an attempt to keep them docile and we will see America's economy grow and its military continue to get budget increase but all it  does is make the 1% eve richer and continue to propagate the military industrial complex and perpetuate the 'might makes right' notion that will keep the 99% right where they are now.

[Silurian]

Funny on how it isn't mentioned that both Condoleeza Rice and Robert Gates are both consultants for Exxon. I am sure it doesn't taint their endorsement in any way.

 

Exxon Consultants Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates Endorse Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson

http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/13/exxon-consultants-condoleezza-rice-robert-gates-endorse-exxon-ceo-rex-tillerson.html

 

[Andaman Al]

53 minutes ago, Silurian said:

Funny on how it isn't mentioned that both Condoleeza Rice and Robert Gates are both consultants for Exxon. I am sure it doesn't taint their endorsement in any way.

 

Exxon Consultants Condoleezza Rice and Robert Gates Endorse Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson

http://www.politicususa.com/2016/12/13/exxon-consultants-condoleezza-rice-robert-gates-endorse-exxon-ceo-rex-tillerson.html

 

I said it earlier, you simply could not make this stuff up.  

[Rob13]

3 hours ago, Linzz said:

 

Typical socialist victimhood post that believes that entitlement to other folks money is a human right. Trickle down worked for you didn't it? Are you not better off than your parents? But no, you believe in redistribution, because if you haven't got enough then it's not fair. You don't believe in growth, just the politics of envy and so cut up the ever reducing cake into smaller and smaller pieces and redistribute. Bet you believe  the government should look after you as well. 

 

Good for you standing up for the minority 1%. They need all the support they can get.

Edited December 14, 2016 by Rob13

[Srikcir]

Unlike Trump, Exxon is at least an American taxpayer.

Exxon Mobil’s tax rate is “lower than the average American’s,” Daniel Weiss, an energy expert at Center for American Progress, who put the company’s U.S. federal income tax rate in 2010 at just 17.2%.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/how-much-do-oil-companies-really-pay-in-taxes/2011/05/11/AF7UNutG_story.html

With Trump's proposed lower tax rate schedules I figure that Exxon should be able to reduce its effective federal tax rate to about 12% assuming it can retain all its current tax breaks.

[Andaman Al]

4 minutes ago, Srikcir said:

Unlike Trump, Exxon is at least an American taxpayer.

Exxon Mobil’s tax rate is “lower than the average American’s,” Daniel Weiss, an energy expert at Center for American Progress, who put the company’s U.S. federal income tax rate in 2010 at just 17.2%.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/how-much-do-oil-companies-really-pay-in-taxes/2011/05/11/AF7UNutG_story.html

With Trump's proposed lower tax rate schedules I figure that Exxon should be able to reduce its effective federal tax rate to about 12% assuming it can retain all its current tax breaks.

AND make untold billions from Russia as soon as the new Sec of State can stop the sanctions against Russia for the invasion of Crimea.

[ilostmypassword]

3 hours ago, Linzz said:

 

Typical socialist victimhood post that believes that entitlement to other folks money is a human right. Trickle down worked for you didn't it? Are you not better off than your parents? But no, you believe in redistribution, because if you haven't got enough then it's not fair. You don't believe in growth, just the politics of envy and so cut up the ever reducing cake into smaller and smaller pieces and redistribute. Bet you believe  the government should look after you as well. 

Typical Pavlovian response of extreme right wingers. And it's nonsense  For example, while American industry has made big productivity gains from 1990 onwards virtually none of that has been shared with the lower 80%. Most of it has gone to the 1 percent. A big reason for that is the decline of unions. The Taft Hartley act passed by the Republicans started that decline and they've worked mightily ever since to accelerate it. And they've largely succeeded. There's this ridiculous notion going around subscribed to by gullible Trump supporters that if manufacturing jobs return to the USA they will be good paying jobs. The only reason places like Carrier pay their workers reasonably well is because it is unionized. In Tennessee, where there was a campaign to union Volkswagen - a campaign Volkswagern had not problem with - the Republican governor and senators threatened reprisals against Volkswagen and the workers if they voted to unionize. A Trump hotel in Vegas is the object of a union campaign. It keeps on breaking the rules to stop unionization.  But I guess once Trumps fast food owning, decent minimum wage opposing Labor Secretary gets into office, all that will change.

[Rob13]

21 minutes ago, ilostmypassword said:

But I guess once Trumps fast food owning, decent minimum wage opposing Labor Secretary gets into office, all that will change.

 

 You gotta wonder what's gonna happen when Trump's fanboys finally fit this piece into the puzzle. 

[melvinmelvin]

36 minutes ago, ilostmypassword said:

Typical Pavlovian response of extreme right wingers. And it's nonsense  For example, while American industry has made big productivity gains from 1990 onwards virtually none of that has been shared with the lower 80%. Most of it has gone to the 1 percent. A big reason for that is the decline of unions. The Taft Hartley act passed by the Republicans started that decline and they've worked mightily ever since to accelerate it. And they've largely succeeded. There's this ridiculous notion going around subscribed to by gullible Trump supporters that if manufacturing jobs return to the USA they will be good paying jobs. The only reason places like Carrier pay their workers reasonably well is because it is unionized. In Tennessee, where there was a campaign to union Volkswagen - a campaign Volkswagern had not problem with - the Republican governor and senators threatened reprisals against Volkswagen and the workers if they voted to unionize. A Trump hotel in Vegas is the object of a union campaign. It keeps on breaking the rules to stop unionization.  But I guess once Trumps fast food owning, decent minimum wage opposing Labor Secretary gets into office, all that will change.

 

reprisals against VW if their employees formed a union?

 

pretty sick this US of A