Trump to name US Secretary of State today

The announcement to replace outgoing Secretary of State John Kerry would bring to an end weeks of speculation on the top American diplomat in his administration.

Washington, Dec 13: US President-elect Donald Trump has said that he would announce the name of America's next Secretary of State on Tuesday. The announcement to replace outgoing Secretary of State John Kerry would bring to an end weeks of speculation on the top American diplomat in his administration.

"I will be making my announcement on the next Secretary of State tomorrow morning," Trump said on Monday on his twitter account that has more than 17 million followers. As per US media reports, he is widely expected to tap Exxon Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson, 64, for the job.

In an interview over the weekend, he praised the top Exxon CEO. Among other names in contention include former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker and former CIA director general David Petraeus.

However, two top Republican Senators have warned that his nomination could face intense scrutiny due to the veteran oil executive's close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. One of his closest friends Rudy Giuliani, the former Mayor of New York, withdrew his name from being considered for any position in the Trump administration. He was also being widely speculated in the race for Secretary of State. Trump's nominee, if confirmed by the Senate, would replace John Kerry, who has served in this position for four years.

As the top American diplomat, Secretary of State -- equivalent to Minister of External Affairs in India -– is responsible for maintaining country's relationship with the world. He is very often globe tottering travelling from one part of the world.

PTI