But whether Mr Tillerson leaves now or later, it's important to look at what lies ahead for the State Department. It is unclear whether Mr Pompeo can succeed where Mr Tillerson failed. Alongside building their version of the organisation, it is incumbent on new secretaries to aim the State Department at some broad goal. Mr Trump seems to favour the military and military men as some of his closest advisers (Mr Pompeo graduated from West Point.) One commentator described the State Department as "an institution that the president doesn't value, respect, or understand".

Source: Bangkok Post December 05, 2017 21:22 UTC