WASHINGTON — Rex Tillerson has been ousted as Secretary of State. CIA Director Mike Pompeo will replace him, President Trump tweeted.
Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018
Trump offered no explanation for the change.
Trump named Gina Haspel to be the next CIA director, replacing Pompeo. She will be the first woman in that role.
Tillerson had just returned from a shortened trip to Africa hours before Trump’s announcement. Trump offered no explanation for the change.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.