Rex Tillerson has been the CEO of oil and gas giant Exxon Mobil for more than ten years. But multiple reports say he could be going from the board room to the State Department.
Tillerson's name emerged as a leading candidate in recent days, but he was not one of the handful of names initially under consideration for the job. They included Rudy Giuliani. But the former mayor removed himself from the list of hopefuls.
The short list also included former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton. But reports say Trump is on the verge of naming him to the state department's number two job.
Tillerson has a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and was awarded Russia's Order of Friendship. Those ties are troubling to Arizona Senator John McCain.
"I have, obviously, concerns of reports of his relationship with Vladimir Putin who is a thug and a murderer," McCain said. "But, that the — We will have hearings on that issue, and other issues concerning him will be examined."
Trump met privately with Tillerson on Saturday for the second time in a week. The president-elect also attended the Army/Navy football matchup in Baltimore before flying back to the city.
Outside Trump Tower, reactions to the potential appointment were mixed, with some welcoming the news.
"I think that he will do very well," said one passerby. "Look at the other options that were being talked about: Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney. You need the trust of the president-elect or president, and he clearly has it with Trump."
"He's got experience in the Middle East if he's Exxon Mobil CEO," said another. "Maybe he can talk to them and get more diplomacy."
Others weren't so sure.
"To think that someone who has no experience in government is going to be given a place where I'm gonna make decisions for other people, it's very disappointing," said one naysayer.
"Well, Trump is actually filling his cabinet with destroyer's who don't believe in doing the traditional work of any of their departments," said another.