Rex Tillerson was sworn in as secretary of state by Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday night in the Oval Office.
With President Donald Trump and Tillerson's wife, Renda, looking on, Pence administered the oath of office to Tillerson. Following the oath, Tillerson signed the documents to make the process final
Before the ceremony, Trump described his trip that afternoon to Dover Air Force Base for the dignified transfer of a Navy SEAL killed in Yemen. Trump went on to praise Tillerson and expressed his confidence in the former Exxon Mobil chief executive.
Tillerson thanked Trump, Pence, and those who helped him through the confirmation process. He mentioned the messages of support that he has received from across the country.
"It's their messages that are going to really stand in steadfast reminder to me as I enter the responsibilities as secretary of state, that as I serve this president, I serve their interest and will always represent the interest of all the American people at all times," Tillerson said.
Tillerson was confirmed earlier on Wednesday by the Senate with a 56 to 43 vote.
