State Dept website removes references to Tillerson

Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has been removed from the State Department’s website.

A link labeled “Secretary of State Tillerson” at the top of the department’s homepage has disappeared and been replaced with a “Secretary of State” tab.

The link leads to a page about Tillerson’s temporary replacement, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, being sworn in on April 1. It shows a picture of Sullivan signing his appointment papers as deputy in 2017.

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Links that once led to Tillerson’s speeches, press releases and photo gallery were replaced by links to such information about Sullivan.

The Associated Press first reported the changes.

The AP noted that Tillerson’s biography on the site led to a “We’re sorry, that page can’t be found” until the State Department was notified of the message.

A State Department spokesperson later told The Hill the changes were in line with department protocol.

“As in the past, the website navigation and content was adjusted to reflect [Tillerson’s departure.] Content related to the former Secretary was archived and content related to Deputy Secretary Sullivan reflects his new role as Acting Secretary,” the spokesperson said.

“The time delay in archiving Secretary Tillerson’s content was due to a normal technological process, which isn’t instant. It is consistent with past transitions, was planned in advance accordingly and occurred in a timely manner.”

President Trump fired Tillerson via tweet on March 13. He appointed CIA Director Mike Pompeo to replace him if he is confirmed by the Senate.

Updated: 2:55 p.m.