Trump ousts Rex Tillerson as U.S. secretary of state
U.S. President Donald Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Tuesday after a series of public rifts over issues including North Korea and Russia, and nominated loyalist CIA Director Mike Pompeo to head the department.
In a tweet Tuesday, Trump thanked Tillerson, and said he has nominated Gina Haspel to replace Pompeo. If confirmed, Haspel, currently deputy director of the intelligence agency, would become its first female director.
Speaking to reporters later on the White House lawn, Trump said he made the decision to replace Tillerson "by myself," and added that Tillerson will be "much happier now."
