They are an indication Tillerson plans to try and fight for his job rather than resign — at least for now.

The reports, which were attributed to high-ranking White House sources, appeared to be a coordinated effort to shame the former Exxon Mobil Corp. CEO into quitting.

President Trump and his aides did little on Thursday to bat down the reports. When asked about the plan, the president simply replied: “Rex is here.”

News of the plan was the latest humiliation for Tillerson, who has frequently clashed with Trump over policy and personnel.

Pompeo, on the other hand, is seen as one of the most loyal members of the Trump administration and someone who has formed a close relationship with the president through their daily intelligence briefings.