U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Calls Reports of White House Ouster ‘Laughable’

New York Times: Tillerson Calls Reports of White House Ouster ‘Laughable’

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson on Friday called reports that the White House wants him to resign “laughable,” even as one of his closest aides planned to leave the department.

R.C. Hammond, who has served as Mr. Tillerson’s personal press aide, is expected to leave his post this month, according to three people in the department with direct knowledge of the situation and who asked for anonymity to discuss personnel issues.

Mr. Hammond denied he would be leaving soon, and offered a joke.

“You are not so lucky,” Mr. Hammond wrote in an email. “You still get to work with me.”

The White House has a plan to force out Mr. Tillerson, whose relationship with President Trump has become increasingly awkward and whose ties with others in the White House are severely strained. He is expected to be succeeded by Mike Pompeo, the C.I.A. director who is more closely aligned with Mr. Trump on a series of important foreign policy matters.

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WNU Editor: US Secretary of Defense Mattis also believes these reports of Tillerson being dismissed are laughable .... Mattis: There's 'nothing' to reports of Tillerson leaving (The Hill). Is this story another example of fake news? I guess we will find out in the coming month or two.

More News On U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Calling Reports of White House Ouster ‘Laughable’

'Laughable': Tillerson dismisses reports he'll be ousted -- AP
Tillerson dismisses talk of his departure as 'laughable' -- Reuters
Tillerson Calls Reports of White House Ouster 'Laughable' -- New York Times
Tillerson dismisses reports of plan to oust him: 'It's laughable' -- Politico
Secretary of State Tillerson on reports White House trying to oust him: 'It’s laughable' -- USA Today