NBC reported that Mr Tillerson also used an expletive.

According to the report Vice President Mike Pence persuaded Mr Tillerson not to quit.

In his hastily arranged statement Mr Tillerson said there had been "erroneous reports" that he had considered leaving the State Department.

He said: "The Vice President has never had to persuade me to remain as Secretary of State because I have never considered leaving this post.

"I want to reaffirm my commitment to this role and dispel this notion that I have ever considered leaving. There had never been a consideration in my mind to leave."

He added: "What we have accomplished we have done as a team. One team with one mission.

"There are some who try to sow dissension in Washington. I do not and will not operate that way."