Russia says it stopped Mitt Romney from becoming secretary of State
Russia says it stopped former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney from becoming President Trump's secretary of State. Russia used "unspecified channels" to request that Trump choose a secretary of State who would remove "Ukraine-related sanctions," according to the report.
The Kremlin also reportedly wanted the department's head to accommodate Russia in regards to Syria, where the Russian government has been backing President Bashar al-Assad in a years-long civil war. (Link)
Romney was reportedly under consideration for the State Department post, and met with Trump during the transition period. But the president ultimately chose current Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Romney, who announced a run last month for Senate in Utah, took a tough stance on Russia during his own 2012 presidential campaign. He famously sparred with former President Barack Obama during a debate, during which Obama chided Romney for his views on Russian aggression.