Trump Asked if He Fired Tillerson Because He Called Him a Moron: ‘Rex Will Be Much Happier Now’

As President Donald Trump left the White House today, he spoke to reporters about his decision to fire Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and replace him with CIA Director Mike Pompeo.

“I’ve worked with Mike Pompeo now for quite some time,” Trump said. “Tremendous energy, tremendous intellect. We’re always on the same wave length…As far as Rex Tillerson is concerned, I very much appreciate his commitment and his service and I wish him well. He’s a good man.”

Trump said he thought about ousting Tillerson “for a long time” because they “disagreed on things” like the Iran nuclear deal and similar matters. Trump also said that Tillerson was not involved with his recent plans to meet with the leaders of North Korea, saying “I made that decision by myself.”

When asked if he fired Tillerson for allegedly calling him a “moron,” the president insisted gets along with the former State Department chief, but the decision was made because they had “a different mindset, a different thinking.”

“I’ve gotten along well with Mike Pompeo and frankly I get along well with Rex, too,” Trump said. “I wish Rex a lot of good things. I think he’s going to be very happy. I think Rex will be much happier now, but I really appreciate his service.”

Watch above, via CNN.

[Image via screengrab]

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