Secretary of State Rex Tillerson waves goodbye after speaking aat the State Department in Washington, Tuesday, March 13, 2018. President Donald Trump fired Tillerson and said he would nominate CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him, in a major staff reshuffle just as Trump dives into high-stakes talks with North Korea. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
WASHINGTON (AP) — Fired top diplomat Rex Tillerson says he's praying for America.
The outgoing secretary of state sent a message Friday to American diplomats that was obtained by The Associated Press. He tells them he will "pray for our country, our leaders and your efforts to make this world a better place than we found it."
Tillerson urged staff to ensure a smooth transition for his successor.
President Donald Trump fired Tillerson earlier this week. Trump picked CIA Director Mike Pompeo to take over the State Department.
Tillerson was widely criticized for trying to slash the State Department's budget and staffing, plummeting morale.
In leaving, however, he praised the diplomatic corps for their dedication, talent and patriotism. He also lauded their devotion, for serving far from home and often at personal risk.