With it now official that Donald Trump will indeed pick Exxon Mobil CEO as Secretary of State, it’s instructive to note that both Democrats and Republicans are criticizing the choice and predicting a bruising confirmation hearing, largely because Tillerson has such close ties to Russian president/tyrant/terrorist Vladimir Putin.
On Fox News Monday evening, retired Army Lt. Col. Ralph Peters, who is a military analyst for Fox, said choosing Tillerson was a “terrible idea,” and then adding:
“I personally know of no one who thinks this is a wise nomination.”
Peters also told host Martha McCallum:
“This is a guy who pals around with Putin. The last thing we need at a time when Putin is trying to harm NATO…is a guy who thinks Putin’s great.
“I know the Russians and it won’t work. We’re suckers for the Russians. I’m afraid the president-elect is being suckered and I don’t trust anybody whose done mega-billion-dollar deals with Putin’s government.”
But Peters saved his most damning criticism of Tillerson for last, declaring:
“I think [Tillerson] is what the Russians call a ‘useful idiot.’ Someone who puts the profit motive above the welfare of the United States. You can’t do business with Putin’s Russia without getting dirty. It can’t be done. I want to see someone who puts America’s interests in front of those of Exxon Mobil. Sorry.”
It should also be noted that Tillerson has been negotiating a deal between Exxon Mobil and Russia that is estimated to be worth at least $500 billion. But that deal is on hold due to American sanctions against Putin and Russia. As Secretary of State, Tillerson would be in a prime position to get those sanctions lifted so his company could begin drilling for oil in Siberia.
Just like Trump, Rex Tillerson is an unethical businessman who now seeks to try his hand at politics. But neither wants to actually help his country, they merely want to further enrich themselves. This is the very definition of treason.
Here’s Ralph Peters on Fox:
Featured Image Via Fox News Screengrab
