Speaking to reporters later on the White House lawn, Trump said he made the decision to replace Tillerson "by myself," and added that Tillerson will be "much happier now." Later at the State Department, a visibly emotional Tillerson said Trump called him around noon from Air Force One and that he had also spoken with White House chief of staff John Kelly. During an impromptu news conference at the White House, Tillerson said he is delegating his responsibilities at the end of the workday Tuesday to deputy secretary of state John Sullivan. Trump and Tillerson, who had no diplomatic or political experience before becoming secretary of state, have diverged on policy numerous times, including over North Korea and Russia. Goldstein was fired by the White House just hours after he provided his statement to the media.

Source: CBC News March 13, 2018 12:56 UTC