WH: Tillerson pick signals Trump wants ‘warmer relations with Russia’

The top White House spokesman said Tuesday that Donald Trump’s selection of Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of State is a reflection of the president-elect’s desire “to pursue warmer relations with Russia.”

President Obama’s press secretary, Josh Earnest, was asked at Tuesday’s briefing about Democratic criticism of Tillerson’s ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I think what I would say generally is that throughout his campaign, the president-elect indicated his intent … to pursue warmer relations with Russia,” Earnest responded. “So what better way to do that than choose someone who’s been awarded the Order of Friendship by Vladimir Putin to be your secretary of State?”

{mosads}Tillerson’s nomination was announced Tuesday morning, after days of criticism from both sides of the aisle that came after word of the impending selection was leaked over the weekend.

Earnest said the move was not a “particularly surprising or unexpected development.” He also predicted that many senators will have tough questions for Tillerson during the confirmation process.

The oil tycoon was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship following a massive energy deal that was negotiated with the Kremlin in 2012. The agreement has since been put on hold due to sanctions levied against Russia over its 2014 annexation of Crimea.