Tillerson Backs Away: The President Speaks For Himself

The AFP reports:

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson defended American values on Sunday after a UN panel criticized the official response to racist violence — but conspicuously declined to speak for President Donald Trump.

Asked on Fox News Sunday whether Trump’s stance had made it harder for Washington’s top diplomat to promote US values around the world, Tillerson spoke for his State Department. “We represent the American people, their commitment to freedom and to equal treatment to people the world over, and that message has never changed,” he said.

Pressed on whether Trump had undermined that message, Tillerson said: “I don’t believe anyone doubts the American people’s values or the commitment of the American government or the government’s agencies to advancing those values and defending those values.”

Interviewer Chris Wallace then gave him another chance to defend Trump, asking: “And the president’s values?” “The president speaks for himself, Chris,” Tillerson replied.

Tillerson: Americans value "freedom," "equal treatment of people." Wallace asks about Trump.

Tillerson: "The president speaks for himself" pic.twitter.com/jI4rpI53gi

— Brad Bainum (@bradbainum) August 27, 2017

Secretary Tillerson on @POTUS' reaction to how media covered his response to #Charlottesville: The president speaks for himself.

— FoxNewsSunday (@FoxNewsSunday) August 27, 2017

That "The President speaks for himself" answer from Tillerson on Fox News Sunday was devastating.

— Evan Falchuk (@efalchuk) August 27, 2017

Rex Tillerson, asked by Chris Wallace if the President's speaks for American values on race, "The President speaks for himself." Whoa.

— Brit Hume (@brithume) August 27, 2017

Pretty big moment on @FoxNewsSunday. Wallace asked Tillerson if Trump represents U.S. values. Tillerson: "The president speaks for himself"

— Dave Lawler (@DavidLawler10) August 27, 2017