Rex Tillerson was officially sworn in as secretary of State on Wednesday after overcoming opposition from Democrats in the Senate.



President Trump congratulated the 69th secretary of State in a White House ceremony after returning from Dover Air Force Base, where he honored a U.S. service member killed in Yemen over the weekend.



"Secretary Tillerson ... you bring the unique skills and deep, deep insights — and I’ve gotten to see it firsthand — into foreign diplomacy our nation needs to foster stability and security in a world too often trapped, and right now it’s trapped, in violence and in war," Trump said.



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Trump also praised Tillerson for his understanding of diplomacy while lauding him for prioritizing U.S. values and security."This is a man who is respected all over the world before he even begins ... this is where you were meant to be, right here, today at this crossroads in history," Trump said.The president said it was time to bring "a clear-eyed focus" to foreign relations and "seek new solutions grounded in very ancient truths.""These truths include the fact that nations have a right to protect their interests, that all people have a right to freely pursue their own destiny, and that all of us are better off when we act in concert, and not in conflict," Trump said.After Tillerson was sworn in by Vice President Pence, the secretary of State thanked everyone for supporting him during a contentious confirmation process. Many Democrats were opposed to the former Exxon Mobil Corp. CEO's nomination, primarily over his business ties and connections to Russia.

He was confirmed 55-43, with no Republicans voting against him. Democratic Sens. Mark Warner Mark Robert WarnerOvernight Defense: Trump hosts Israel, UAE, Bahrain for historic signing l Air Force reveals it secretly built and flew new fighter jet l Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' House approves bill to secure internet-connected federal devices against cyber threats Senate panel seeks documents in probe of DHS whistleblower complaint MORE (Va.), Heidi Heitkamp Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampCentrists, progressives rally around Harris pick for VP 70 former senators propose bipartisan caucus for incumbents Susan Collins set to play pivotal role in impeachment drama MORE (N.D.) and Joe Manchin Joseph (Joe) ManchinOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week MORE (W.Va.) joined Republicans in voting yes.



"I’ve also received over the last month so many messages, letters, phone calls of best wishes, encouragement, prayers from family, friends and colleagues who know me well. But I’ve also received an enormous outpouring of wonderful messages from people all over the country whom I do not know," Tillerson said.



"And it’s their messages that are going to really stand in steadfast reminder to me as I enter the responsibilities of secretary of State, that as I serve this president, I serve their interest and will always represent the interest of all of the American people at all times."