Scarborough: State Department ‘rotting’ under Tillerson

MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough slammed Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday, saying the State Department is “rotting” under the former Exxon CEO.

“The State Department is rotting under Rex Tillerson’s leadership, or lack thereof,” Scarborough said in a “Morning Joe” interview with James Stavridis, a retired Navy admiral. “Because he will not force the issue and fill vacancies that the State Department desperately needs.” 

“Yes, and I think even worse, the inflow of young service officers has been cut off,” Stavridis said. “They’re not bringing in young, bright people.” 

“There are reports of ambassadors who have given up calling the State Department,” Scarborough said later. “And now they’re calling the [National Security Agency], because there’s nobody at the State Department!” 

{mosads}

It’s not the first time Scarborough has given a harsh assessment of Tillerson. In May, he compared the secretary of State to a golf caddy and called him “sad and pathetic.”

“Rex Tillerson cowering like he’s a caddy,” Scarborough said on May 15. “Saying he’s ‘devoted’ to the president. I can’t even say caddy because most caddies will talk back to you.”

“Perhaps valet is the word you’re looking for?” injected guest John Heilemann.

“I don’t know what word I’m looking for but it’s sad and pathetic that the secretary of State feels like he has to say that he’s ‘devoted’ to a president who is again, shredding democratic norms every day,” Scarborough said.

“Morning Joe” has bashed President Trump on daily basis since he took office, referring to him on multiple occasions as a “fake president” and “like a kid who pooped in his pants” while questioning his mental state. 

Scarborough and “Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brzezinski were accused of cozying up to Trump during last year’s White House race, when the billionaire candidate called into the program on multiple occasions.

The longtime MSNBC duo, who are engaged, appeared to be in Trump’s good graces as recently as New Year’s Eve, when they were seen at a party at the president’s Mar-a-Logo resort in Florida. Scarborough said the pair were there to talk to Trump about doing an interview on their show.

Trump has not appeared on “Morning Joe” since May 2016.