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Tillerson (Again) Says He Isn't Bowing Out As Secretary Of State

Despite rumors of his ouster, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says he's sticking around for 2018.

By: Lindsey Pulse

Posted at 2:30 PM, Jan 06, 2018

and last updated 2018-01-06 14:30:18-05

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson once again said he won't be leaving the U.S. State Department anytime soon.

"I intend to be here for the whole year," Tillerson said.

"Has the president given you any indication that you won't be around for a while?" CNN's Elise Labott asked.

"None," Tillerson said.

Rumors of a Tillerson ouster have circulated since October, when NBC reported his relationship with President Donald Trump had reached a breaking point.

In November, outlets reported the White House had drafted a plan to replace Tillerson with CIA Director Mike Pompeo. Tillerson dismissed both rumors.

Tillerson and the president have been at odds publicly over certain policies. Tillerson said in December the U.S. is willing to start negotiations with North Korea. The White House later said Trump hadn't changed his mind.

Still, Tillerson told CNN on Friday he thinks the Trump administration had a successful 2017 and that he looks forward the rest of 2018.

Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.