Tillerson Must Stop Undermining Trump on Qatar

Donald Trump went to Saudi Arabia in May to call on Muslim nations to “drive out” those who engage in or sponsor Islamic terrorism.  Several responded by isolating and boycotting one of the worst offenders: Qatar.

President Trump subsequently declared his support for this “hard but necessary” step to confront a nation that had been “a funder of terrorism at a very high level.”

Yet, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has repeatedly expressed official support for Qatar. A former ExxonMobil executive long tied to that nation, he should have to recuse himself on this issue. Instead, he just signed a memorandum of understanding with the Qataris about jointly countering terrorism.  That’s protective cover for Qatar’s toxic ruler that will enable and encourage him to continue supporting our jihadist enemies.

This must stop, and officials who won’t support the President’s policies must go.