Getty Gates, Rice praise Tillerson for secretary of state

Bob Gates and Condoleezza Rice are backing ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson for secretary of state. The pair, who command bipartisan respect in foreign policy circles, issued separate statements of support soon after President-elect Donald Trump announced his pick.

"He would bring to the position vast knowledge, experience and success in dealing with dozens of governments and leaders in every corner of the world,” Gates said in a statement. "He is a person of great integrity whose only goal in office would be to protect and advance the interests of the United States.”

Gates, who as CIA director and defense secretary under presidents of both parties, met with Trump twice, and is said to have advised the president elect about personnel and policy.

Gates acknowledged that ExxonMobil is "one of many clients" of RiceHadleyGates, Gates’ and Rice’s consulting firm, but said he met Tillerson "years earlier through our mutual involvement in and leadership of the Boy Scouts of America.”

"I know this Eagle Scout will be a global champion of the best values of our country," Gates said.

“Rex Tillerson is an excellent choice for Secretary of State. He will bring to the post remarkable and broad international experience; a deep understanding of the global economy; and a belief in America's special role in the world,” said Rice, who served as national security adviser and secretary of state under George W. Bush. “I know Rex as a successful business man and a patriot. He will represent the interests and the values of the United States with resolve and commitment. And he will lead the exceptional men and women of the State Department with respect and dedication.”

The backing from Rice and Gates will help insulate Tillerson from some of the criticism he is already taking for his ties to Russia, where he negotiated deals with Vladimir Putin’s regime and was awarded the Russian Order of Friendship.

