Former chairman and chief executive of Exxon Mobil Rex Tillerson has been sworn in as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of State.

56 senators voted for Tillerson while 43 said no.

The vote came after Senate Republicans changed the rules in order to approve Trump’s nominees for health and treasury, despite a Democratic boycott.

Tillerson, who has never held political office, faced intense scrutiny over his ties to Russia.

As Secretary of State, Tillerson will handle relations with countries including China and Russia and negotiate matters such as climate change and human rights, on behalf of President Trump.

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