Rex Tillerson, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of state, condemned recent Russian actions in the world during his Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday, while expressing support for cooperation between the two nations on areas of common interest.
The former ExxonMobil CEO, who has close business ties to Russia, told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee that the Russian government’s actions in recent years “have disregarded American interests” and the country “today poses a danger.” Tillerson and numerous committee members cited Russia’s incursion into Crimea and its military action in Syria as cause for concern over the future of U.S.-Russian relations.
Tillerson said the United States’ NATO allies are justifiably alarmed at a resurgent Russia, but that “it was in the absence of American leadership that this door was left open. He urged Washington to recommit to its allies and act from a position of power.
“Where our cooperation with Russia based on common interests is possible, such as reducing the global threat of terrorism, we ought to explore these options,” Tillerson said. “Where important differences remain, we should be steadfast in defending the interest of America and her allies.”
Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) noted Trump’s statements last year suggesting he would support other nations’ development of their own nuclear capabilities – including Japan, South Korea, and Saudia Arabia – and asked if Tillerson concurred.
“I do not agree,” Tillerson responded, saying the State Department would remain committed to nuclear nonproliferation activities.
Asked about Trump’s recent tweet calling for an expansion of U.S. nuclear capabilities, Tillerson said the president-elect would be committed to maintaining the nuclear arsenal within the limits outlined in existing arms control agreements.
Tillerson’s hearing continues on Thursday. The Senate will vote on his nomination following Trump’s inauguration.
