President Donald Trump sounded a globalist view of America's place on the world stage at the swearing-in of new Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, saying "all of us are better off when we act in concert and not in conflict."
In a prepared speech delivered at the Wednesday night ceremony, Trump praised Tillerson for understanding "the job of our diplomats and the mission of the State Department."
"This is where you were meant to be, right here, today, at this crossroads in history," Trump said. "It is time to bring a clear eyed focus to foreign affairs, to take a fresh look at the world around us, and to seek new solutions grounded in very ancient truths."
"These truths include the fact that nations have a right to protect their interests, that all people have a right to freely pursue their own destiny, and that all of us are better off when we act in concert and not in conflict, and there has rarely been conflict like we have in the world today."
After the formal ceremony, Tillerson called his appointment an "extraordinary opportunity to serve my country."
He also made special mention of "an enormous outpouring of wonderful messages from people all over the country, whom I do not know."
"It is there messages that are going to really stand in steadfast reminder to me as I enter the responsibility of secretary of state, as I serve this president, I serve their interests and will always represent the interest of all the American people at all times," he said.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.