Tesla founder Elon Musk tweeted his support Tuesday for Rex Tillerson as secretary of state in response to an Economist article published in December titled "Give Rex a chance."
When asked why by Bloomberg reporter Dana Hull, Musk, who met with President Donald Trump over the weekend, said Tillerson was "an exceptionally competent executive, understands geopolitics, and knows how to win for his team. His team is now the USA."
He added: "I share The Economist's opinion that he should be given the benefit of the doubt unless his actions prove otherwise."
His backing was surprising, as Tesla is in the business of making zero-emissions vehicles and recently acquired SolarCity, the largest rooftop solar system installer in all the U.S.
Tillerson expressed little urgency on pursuing efforts to slash carbon dioxide emissions while testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in early January.
Tillerson is waiting to be confirmed by the full Senate for his post.
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