By: Ray Locker and David Jackson – usatoday.com – March 13, 2018

After months of disputes with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, President Trump removed him Tuesday and nominated CIA Director Mike Pompeo to head the State Department.

Trump told reporters he made the decision himself, citing disagreements with Tillerson that included North Korea diplomacy, steel and aluminum tariffs, and the Iran nuclear agreement.

Rex Tillerson is the CEO of ExxonMobil. His ties around the globe include a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“I think Rex will be much happier now,” Trump said.

Tillerson did not immediately comment, but an aide said he wanted to stay as secretary of State.

As for Pompeo, Trump praised his new nominee’s “tremendous energy, tremendous intellect,” and added that “we’re always on the same wave length. The relationship has been very good and that’s what I need as Secretary of State.”

Trump said in a written statement that, at the State Department, Pompeo “will continue our program of restoring America’s standing in the world, strengthening our alliances, confronting our adversaries, and seeking the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.”

Speaking later with reporters before his departure on a trip to California, Trump said he got along with Tillerson, but they disagreed on things. Trump cited the Iran nuclear deal in particular: “I think it’s terrible, he thinks it’s okay.” He also complimented Tillerson for “his commitment and his service, and I wish him well. He’s a good man.”

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Source: Rex Tillerson out as Secretary of State, CIA chief Pompeo gets nod