This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38281174

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Trump praises Exxon's Rex Tillerson tipped for top diplomat Trump praises Exxon's Rex Tillerson tipped for top diplomat
(about 5 hours later)
US President-elect Donald Trump has praised Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, amid growing reports he is going to appoint him secretary of state.US President-elect Donald Trump has praised Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, amid growing reports he is going to appoint him secretary of state.
In an interview with Fox News, Mr Trump called Mr Tillerson, 64, a "world-class player" who has made "massive deals".In an interview with Fox News, Mr Trump called Mr Tillerson, 64, a "world-class player" who has made "massive deals".
As Exxon CEO Mr Tillerson has had business ties with Russia's leadership and is said to have a good relationship with President Vladimir Putin.As Exxon CEO Mr Tillerson has had business ties with Russia's leadership and is said to have a good relationship with President Vladimir Putin.
He has criticised sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Crimea.He has criticised sanctions against Russia for its annexation of Crimea.
In an interview Fox News Sunday, Mr Trump praised Mr Tillerson, saying: "He's a world-class player. He's in charge of an oil company that's pretty much double the size of its next nearest competitor."In an interview Fox News Sunday, Mr Trump praised Mr Tillerson, saying: "He's a world-class player. He's in charge of an oil company that's pretty much double the size of its next nearest competitor."
Mr Trump added that Mr Tillerson knows many of the players and he knows them well. He does massive deals in Russia."Mr Trump added that Mr Tillerson knows many of the players and he knows them well. He does massive deals in Russia."
Republican Senator John McCain expressed "concern" about Mr Tillerson's potential links to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom the senator called "a thug, a bully and a murderer", during an interview with Fox News on Saturday.
However, speaking on to CBS on Sunday, he said the Senate would give Mr Tillerson a "fair hearing" should he be selected by Mr Trump.
Mr Tillerson is likely to be named America's top diplomat next week. NBC News reports that ex-US ambassador to the UN John Bolton may serve as his deputy.Mr Tillerson is likely to be named America's top diplomat next week. NBC News reports that ex-US ambassador to the UN John Bolton may serve as his deputy.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani withdrew himself from consideration for the post last week.Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani withdrew himself from consideration for the post last week.
Under scrutiny: Analysis by Barbara Plett Usher, BBC News, WashingtonUnder scrutiny: Analysis by Barbara Plett Usher, BBC News, Washington
This is the latest twist in Donald Trump's weeks-long search for a top diplomat: he has been considering close to a dozen candidates with significantly different views and backgrounds.This is the latest twist in Donald Trump's weeks-long search for a top diplomat: he has been considering close to a dozen candidates with significantly different views and backgrounds.
Transition officials say he has finally settled on Rex Tillerson although there has been no official announcement.Transition officials say he has finally settled on Rex Tillerson although there has been no official announcement.
The long-time oil executive does not have any diplomatic experience but he has done business with many foreign governments, including in Russia where he has developed a good relationship with President Vladimir Putin.The long-time oil executive does not have any diplomatic experience but he has done business with many foreign governments, including in Russia where he has developed a good relationship with President Vladimir Putin.
That is one reason his nomination would be closely scrutinised by lawmakers - especially in the wake of intelligence assessments that Russian hackers acted covertly to promote Mr Trump's campaign.That is one reason his nomination would be closely scrutinised by lawmakers - especially in the wake of intelligence assessments that Russian hackers acted covertly to promote Mr Trump's campaign.
On Friday, the Trump camp took issue with CIA claims that Russia had tried to help him during the November election by releasing hacked emails harmful to Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.
Mr Trump's transition team said the assessment had been made by "the same people that said Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction".
Mr Trump is due to be sworn in as president on 20 January,
Several of his appointments have been controversial, including Senator Jeff Sessions, a hardline conservative, as attorney general, Kansas congressman Mike Pompeo as CIA head, and retired Gen Michael Flynn as national security adviser.