So the open question is why did Trump appoint him? If Trump has a weak spot, it’s his assessment of “swamp creatures” whom he appoints to key positions. He’s had far too many backstabbers. I am beginning to think he relies far too much on “others” whom he uses to vet people.
Because Tillerson had a special skill-set.
Once that skill set was utilized, his task was complete. Trump didn't need him anymore.
Remember the high turnover during Trump's campaign and how Trump was mocked for it?
He wasn’t really a swamp creature. He was a CEO. He was a good business person and supposed to be a good deal maker, but blew it by going rogue.
I believe we were ALL fooled by the Republican Party. They used us and then screwed us. What’s worse, the enemy at your front or the traitor at your back?
Instead of relying on the advice of people who actually supported him, Trump had worthless untrustworthy POS' like Chris Christie and Reince Preibus, people who actively opposed his campaign, advising him on people to fill key posts throughout the administration. They planted all sorts of fifth columnists who have been working OT to undermine Trump since day one.
Many are below the radar but a few big names should have been obvious, like Tillerson. Many on here raised eyebrows immediately when he was nominated. Heck, the fact that Trump even held a meeting with Romney told me that someone stupid or devious was advising him. Thank God he didn't take that bait in the end.
On the other hand I think some people he put in looked on paper to be sound choices. Session at AG seemed solid, who knew he'd passively enable the continuation of the nations most scandalous abuse of power in its history? Mad Dog Mattis seemed solid for DOD, until he wasn't. In fact none of the three generals he leaned on - McMaster, Kelly, or Mattis - ever seem to have supported Trump really. I don't blame Trump for them (well, I do for McMaster, to be honest, That one was forseeable).
And he said he didn't want the job and wanted to retire and there were endless rumors he was unhappy and wanted to leave.
Why do you want someone on your team who doesn't want to be on your team?
President does not have enough time I’m the day to micromanage vetting of every nomination in detail.
That does not mean he has no room for improvement. Trump is doing great for someone with zero prior govt experience.
Bob Gates recommended Tillerson. As an outsider without a cadre of advisors and political insiders, Trump had to depend on others to recommend who should fill the over 4,000 political appointee jobs.
Bob Gates recommended Tillerson. As an outsider without a cadre of advisors and political insiders, Trump had to depend on others to recommend who should fill the over 4,000 political appointee jobs.
I think to some extent, it’s a case of “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer”. Trump had to play ball with the establishment for a while, while he consolidated his power. Remember, the Senate that had to confirm his cabinet in early 2017 was RINO dominated. Not as much now, in spite of Romney.
Or could it be that these guys are political animals, just like everyone else, and tell their prospective boss everything he wants to hear. Then, when they get the corner office, try to do things their way, in complete contradiction to what they said they were going to do.
I think Wray is probably one of the better examples of that.
Also, knowing that he has to deal with the scum in Congress, he has to pick folks that have a better chance of getting approved. I’d love to see him find some old school police chief to run the FBI. Some No-BS guy that legitimately rose through the ranks, although those types are more like dinosaurs now. Someone like that would shake up the FBI in the first week. But that same person would probably have a helluva time getting through the confirmation process. The dem’s would be pulling his internal affairs file to ask why he bodyslammed someone 40yrs ago, when he was a rookie.