Corker: Report of Tillerson ouster ‘bogus’

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said a report in The New York Times that the White House has a plan to oust him is inaccurate, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said Thursday.

Corker, who called the report “bogus,” said he met with Tillerson for a lengthy meeting on Thursday, where the secretary of State disputed the report. He also predicted the White House would release a statement disputing it.

“It’s inaccurate,” he said. “The White House totally understands and is going to send out a statement.”

The Times reported Thursday that the White House has developed a plan to force Tillerson’s resignation and replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who in turn would be replaced by Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

The plan was reportedly put together by White House chief of staff John Kelly.

Multiple news organizations have confirmed the Times report that a plan is in place.

Tillerson was at the White House for an event on Thursday, and President Trump, asked about the Cabinet member, didn’t offer a definitive voice of support.

Trump ducked a direct question about whether Tillerson will be pushed out, saying “Rex is here.”  

White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders in a statement said there were no plans for changes in personnel “at this time.”

Tillerson and Trump’s relationship has been strained for some time. It was reported earlier this year that Tillerson described Trump as a “moron,” which prompted the president to say he would defeat Tillerson in an IQ test. 

Corker and Trump also do not have a great relationship. Corker, who is not running for reelection next year, has ripped into the president this fall, harshly criticizing his handling of diplomacy.