Some Democrat legislators have responded to Trump’s decision to replace Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with current CIA Director Mike Pompeo—in her press release, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) used the phrase “his worship of Putin” in reference to President Trump:
“Secretary Tillerson’s firing sets a profoundly disturbing precedent in which standing up for our allies against Russian aggression is grounds for a humiliating dismissal. President Trump’s actions show that every official in his Administration is at the mercy of his personal whims and his worship of Putin.”
Pelosi said that the subsequent Secretary of State will not possess sufficient clout when engaging with world leaders. “Whenever Tillerson’s successor goes into meetings with foreign leaders, his credibility will be diminished as someone who could be here today and gone tomorrow.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) likened the personnel changes in the Trump administration to “musical chairs,” tweeting that “Musical chairs is the Trump Administration’s professional pastime - who’s in, who’s out, who’s next. This churn undermines American national security.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) tweeted, “The revolving door in the Trump administration is destabilizing not only for the U.S., but for other countries. Trump doesn't know how to govern without chaos.”
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) also shared similar sentiments, stating that “The instability of this administration in just about every area weakens America.” He added that, “If he’s confirmed, we hope that Mr. Pompeo will turn over a new leaf and will start toughening up our policies towards Russia and Putin.”
Hillary Clinton’s 2016 running mate Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) criticized the President’s timing: “Why would President Trump fire his Secretary of State at such a grave moment? He's about to meet with North Korea, the Russian threat continues to pervade the globe, and key ambassadorships go empty.” He added, “Chaos at the top may make for good reality TV but it's dangerous foreign policy.”
President Trump tweeted the following on Tuesday morning:
“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!”