In response to President-elect Donald Trump’s reported selection of Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State, People For the American Way Executive Vice President Marge Baker released the following statement:

“Donald Trump's choice of Rex Tillerson raises such pressing concerns about government accountability to the American people on matters of both domestic and foreign policy, that even those of us not usually focused on foreign policy need to speak up. Tillerson's extensive business ties to Russia present a particularly troubling danger given the president-elect's failure to disclose his own  business interests or obligations to the country. When it comes to the environment, ExxonMobile’s history of hiding the facts on climate change to boost their profits gives us great concern that Tillerson could use his position as Secretary of State to further exacerbate its effects. More than ever, we need a Secretary of State whose ability to make sound policy judgments and give sound policy advice isn't hampered by any potential external forces; Tillerson fails that test. ”

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and defend constitutional values including free expression, religious liberty, equal justice under the law, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy.

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