Donald Trump picks Rex Tillerson to lead State Department

NEW YORK (AP) — - President-elect Donald Trump has announced his choice of ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be his secretary of state, hailing him as "among the most accomplished business leaders and international deal makers in the world."

In a release from his transition headquarters in New York, Trump calls Tillerson's career "the embodiment of the American dream."

He says Tillerson rose through the ranks "through hard work, dedication and smart deal making."

Trump also says that as the nation's top diplomat, Tillerson will be "a world-class leader" working on behalf of the American people.

Tillerson has close ties to Russia, and his selection sets up a potential confirmation fight in the Senate.

Mitt Romney, who was in the running for the position, also reacted on social media this morning saying that he was honored to be considered.