Tillerson is a loss
The removal of Rex Tillerson from the State Department was likely from the moment he reportedly called President Trump a “moron”. That was never going to be a good career move. Yet he remained in post for more than a year, which is a good innings measured against the career span of others in the administration.
Mr Tillerson’s appointment as secretary of state was seen as an early coup for the president when he assumed office – the boss of Exxon oil with contacts around the globe seemed like an inspired choice. But they rarely saw eye to eye and Mr Trump said Mr Tillerson’s replacement Mike Pompeo is more in tune with his way of thinking. What precisely that is we may be about to find out.
Mr Tillerson’s disagreements with the president were mainly over Iran and North Korea. He wanted to pursue diplomatic solutions with both whereas the president cut to the chase by issuing threats, which in the case of Pyongyang he believes paid off since a summit is now being arranged.
Mr Trump says he is close to getting the cabinet he wants, but yet another departure gives the impression of an administration in a constant state of flux. Only last week Gary Cohn, the president’s top economic adviser, quit over the threat of a trade war with Europe and China. Strategists like Steve Bannon and communications officials have been among those going through the White House revolving door.
But a secretary of state is a key player who would be expected to last for one term, and Mr Tillerson’s departure will cause renewed uncertainty over Mr Trump’s geopolitical intentions. It has also come at a bad time for Britain. Mr Trump feels slighted by the row over his proposed state visit and Mr Tillerson acted as something of a counterweight having built up a good relationship with Boris Johnson. This was evident when he sided with Britain’s interpretation of the assassination attempt on Sergei Skripal. After talking to Theresa May last night, Mr Trump now appears convinced of Russia’s culpability but must translate this into robust action.
The death of another Russian emigré in Surrey may be coincidental or something more sinister. But whatever the cause, Theresa May needs wholehearted American support if she is to face down Vladimir Putin.