Tillerson: Suggestion that he’s submitted resignation ‘ridiculous’

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Monday said it’s “ridiculous” to think that he’s submitted a letter of resignation effective next month.

“It’s a ridiculous question,” Tillerson said in response to a reporter during a photo op with French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. The two were meeting for a working lunch.

{mosads}

The New York Times reported last month that the Trump administration planned to remove Tillerson as secretary of State and replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

Tillerson has downplayed the reports, calling them “laughable,” and telling reporters to “get better sources.”

President Trump in a tweet said that Tillerson is “not leaving,” calling reports suggesting otherwise “fake news.” 

Trump and Tillerson have clashed in the last year, particularly over the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris climate agreement and diplomatic relations with North Korea.