WASHINGTON – The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said he was "deeply troubled" by the pro-Russia positions of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, the president-elect's nominee for secretary of state, and that he plans to "scrutinize his record, experience and qualifications for the job."

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Tillerson to lead the State Department, dismissing concerns about the businessman's connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The news comes as lawmakers on Capitol Hill are weighing intelligence assessments that suggest Russia meddled with the US presidential election to assist Trump.

US Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement on Tuesday morning he plans to lead his colleagues through a "thorough, thoughtful" confirmation process.

"I am deeply troubled by Mr. Tillerson’s vocal opposition to US sanctions on Russia following its illegal invasion, occupation and annexation of Crimea, Ukraine, and his close personal relationship with Vladimir Putin," Cardin said.

The news also came as senior House Democrats called for a comprehensive, bipartisan investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Monday signaled support for such a probe, but only with a limited scope.

After weeks of suspense, in which former Republican presidential nominee and Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney jockeyed with former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani for the job of America's top diplomat, Tillerson's name emerged and Trump made the pick official on Tuesday.

"His tenacity, broad experience and deep understanding of geopolitics make him an excellent choice for Secretary of State," Trump said in a statement. "He will promote regional stability and focus on the core national security interests of the United States."

Yet as Tillerson's nomination appeared imminent, Democrats and some Republicans voiced concerns. Senate Foreign Relations Committee member Marco Rubio, R-Fla., wrote on Twitter that "being a 'friend of Vladimir'" was not an attribute he was hoping for in a secretary of state.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair John McCain, R-Ariz., said said in an interview with Fox News on Saturday that Tillerson's Putin ties were " a matter of concern to me."

Reacting Tuesday morning, Sen. Lindsey  Graham, the chairman of the Senate State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, signaled his skepticism.

"Based upon his extensive business dealings with the Putin government and his previous opposition of efforts to impose sanctions on the Russian government, there are many questions which must be answered," said Graham, R-S.C. "I expect the US-Russian relationship to be front and center in his confirmation process."

But not all Senate Republicans feel that way. Commenting on the Tillerson nomination in a statement on Tuesday, McConnell signaled unqualified support for the oil executive.

"Rex Tillerson’s decades of experience have been widely recognized for forward-looking strategic planning, managing international partnerships and risk, and focused leadership around the world," McConnell said. "We need a full review of our national security policy, and I know Rex will face each problem head on with American interests and security as his top priority. I look forward to supporting his nomination."


Cardin, in his statement, questioned whether Tillerson can be "a respected Secretary of State that puts the national security interests of the American people first."

"I also want to know more about Mr. Tillerson's worldview, because I found many of President-elect Trump's foreign policy statements as a candidate, and now as the next President of the United States, to be disturbing at best and frightening at worst.  And I know many of our allies did and do as well.

"In a world increasingly wracked by gross human rights violations, endemic corruption, brutal conflicts and shifting alliances, I expect Mr. Tillerson to be prepared to answer the Senate's questions and offer a comprehensive vision of the President-elect's U.S. foreign policy."

In an interview with "Fox News Sunday," Trump touted Tillerson's deep relations with Moscow as a selling point. Leading Exxon Mobil, he maintained close ties with Russia and was awarded by Putin with the Order of Friendship in 2013, an honor for a foreign citizen.

"A great advantage is he knows many of the players, and he knows them well. He does massive deals in Russia. He does massive deals for the company," Trump said.

Joe Gould was the senior Pentagon reporter for Defense News, covering the intersection of national security policy, politics and the defense industry. He had previously served as Congress reporter.

Share:
More In Congress