Sen. Bernie Sanders I-Vt., says Donald Trump's pick for secretary of state, Rex Tillerson "must be opposed," The Hill reports.
Sanders joins other senators, both Democratic and Republican, who are expressing concern over Tillerson, the CEO of Exxon Mobil Corp, and his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"Mr. Trump's nomination of Rex Tillerson for secretary of State is sending a very troubling message to the international community," Sanders said in a statement.
"Not only is Mr. Tillerson a pal of Russia's authoritarian leader, Vladimir Putin, but he is the head of one of the largest oil companies in the world," he added.
"In this appointment, Mr. Trump is making it abundantly clear that the short-term profits of the fossil fuel industry are more important than climate change and the future of the planet. Very sad. Very dangerous. Mr. Tillerson must be opposed," Sanders said.
The website noted that some of Sanders' Republican colleagues in the Senate, including Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and John McCain of Arizona, have also questioned whether Tillerson was right for the post.
And The New York Times reports Trump is lining up high-profile endorsements of Tillerson to counter bipartisan skepticism about his ties to Russia.
The newspaper noted it is the Trump's team goal to push for swift confirmation of Tillerson after the presidential inauguration next month.
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