Tillerson says goodbye to a ‘mean-spirited town' in farewell address to Dept. of State

Ryan Pickrell, DCNF

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson bid farewell to the Department of State Thursday, urging the staff to hold onto their integrity in a “mean-spirit town.”

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 22: Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (R) gives farewell remarks to State Department employees March 22, 2018 at the State Department in Washington, DC. Tillerson spoke to employees in his final public appearance before he steps down as secretary of state. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images) — Outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson (R) gives farewell remarks to State Department employees March 22, 2018 at the State Department in Washington, DC. Tillerson spoke to employees in his final public appearance before he steps down as secretary of state. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

“This can be a very mean-spirited town,” the secretary of state said in his address, which did not mention President Donald Trump. “But, you don’t have to choose to participate in that. Each of us get to choose the person we want to be, and the way we want to be treated, and the way we will treat others. ” Tillerson encouraged the people in the department to “continue to treat each other with respect.”

“We’re all just human beings trying to do our part,” he added.

After months of speculation, Trump fired Tillerson last week and tapped CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him.

“In these times, your continued diligence and devotion to the State Department’s mission has never been more necessary,” Tillerson said Thursday. “Never lose sight of your most valuable asset, the most valuable asset you possess — your personal integrity.”

Thursday’s address was the embattled secretary of state’s second heartfelt speech since he was fired. In his first address last Tuesday, Tillerson also failed to mention Trump, who announced his removal as head of the department via Twitter.

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!

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018

Trump said that while he respected Tillerson, the two often had a difference of opinion on key issues. “I think Rex will be much happier now,” the president suggested.

Follow Ryan on Twitter

Send tips to ryan@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.

DONATE TO BIZPAC REVIEW

Please help us! If you are fed up with letting radical big tech execs, phony fact-checkers, tyrannical liberals and a lying mainstream media have unprecedented power over your news please consider making a donation to BPR to help us fight them. Now is the time. Truth has never been more critical!