A White House official said it was unclear how soon Tillerson might be replaced, and word of the plan appeared to catch Tillerson and his staff off-guard. Tillerson aides and the State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Nor was it clear whether either Pompeo or Cotton had been formally approached by the White House about the potential new roles. The White House started telling people in September that Tillerson would be replaced, said a senior administration official. Late Wednesday, the State Department said he would be represented by his deputy instead.

Source: Economic Times November 30, 2017 17:03 UTC