President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE said Tuesday that he could “very well” nominate John Sullivan, the current deputy secretary of State, to replace Jon Huntsman as U.S. ambassador to Russia.

Trump described Sullivan as “very respected” and noted that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Trump's push for win with Sudan amps up pressure on Congress Putin nominated for Nobel Peace Prize MORE likes him.

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“He’s somebody that’s being put up and respected very much. Very respected,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office while meeting with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.

When asked whether Sullivan is his choice, Trump replied: “I know that Mike Pompeo likes him very much and he’s very respected. He could very well be.”

Trump’s remarks came after The New York Times reported earlier Tuesday that he is expected to tap Sullivan for the role. A State Department spokesman declined to comment and the White House did not return a request for comment on the plans.

Sullivan was easily confirmed by the Senate as deputy secretary of State in a 94-6 vote toward the beginning of Trump’s administration. He was brought on in the No. 2 spot under then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson Rex Wayne TillersonGary Cohn: 'I haven't made up my mind' on vote for president in November Kushner says 'Alice in Wonderland' describes Trump presidency: Woodward book Conspicuous by their absence from the Republican Convention MORE, whose relationship with Trump soured after roughly a year on the job. Tillerson resigned and Trump nominated Pompeo to replace him last March.

Sullivan, a lawyer and veteran of both Bush administrations who served in roles in various government departments, would need to be confirmed by the Senate again to the new post.

Huntsman announced on Aug. 7 that he would resign as the top U.S. diplomat in Russia after two years in the Trump administration amid widening speculation that he plans to run for Utah’s governor. Huntsman is expected to leave the post in October.

Should Sullivan be nominated and confirmed for the role — which seems likely — he would take on the position at a time of considerable tensions between Washington and Moscow.

Despite Trump’s desire to broker better relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich PutinWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Former intelligence agency director Robert Cardillo speaks out against 'erratic' Trump Kremlin: Putin calls for reset between US and Russia on cyber relations before elections MORE, U.S.-Russia relations have remained icy over Moscow’s election interference, the ongoing conflict in Syria, arms control pacts and other issues of disagreement.

If Sullivan were to move to the new position, it would also open up an opportunity for Pompeo to choose his own deputy.