Wait a second. $2 million. Jeeze, Tillerson can take that out of his piggy bank.
2
Just curious. Was the pending action disclosed as part of the confirmation process? Surely, the security clearance form would require disclosure. How did this get past the vetters? Outrageous that a CEO of a corporation who violates sanctions is the next Secretary of State.
On the other hand, I can only believe it is evidence that Trump has decided to force him out. . .How embarrassing is this? Yet another fiasco to which we have become numb.
On the other hand, I can only believe it is evidence that Trump has decided to force him out. . .How embarrassing is this? Yet another fiasco to which we have become numb.
2
Of course, now we're learning that the company is suing the US government in response! One of my biggest concerns regarding Rex Tillerson was his relationship with Putin and the gazillion-dollar deal the two of them cooked up to drill/kill the Arctic. Don't be fooled. Just because Tillerson is no longer employed by Exxon Mobil does not mean he no longer has a humongous vested interest in that deal going forward.
I also think the President is envious of the obscene wealth Putin has amassed in his tenure as the Russian president. He wants to pick Putin's brain every opportunity he gets. And, if those three get their wish and the sanctions go away, say goodbye to the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, and, in turn, the planet.
I also think the President is envious of the obscene wealth Putin has amassed in his tenure as the Russian president. He wants to pick Putin's brain every opportunity he gets. And, if those three get their wish and the sanctions go away, say goodbye to the Arctic Wildlife Refuge, and, in turn, the planet.
16
So Exxon breaks the law and gets a slap on the wrist. CEO at the time Rex Tillerson gets a medal from Russia and a plum job in the Trump cabinet. Until the heads of corporations and banks are held personally responsible for the criminal acts of their companies, the kinds of illegal activities we've seen from Wall street and industry will continue as bad actors are rewarded with huge paydays for their sins. Fines that seem large to the man on the street are just a cost of doing business to these people who continue their blatant disregard for laws and regulations without consequence.
14
The "practised' serious look Tillerson always puts on is a sign of a fraud. It worked in his rise in Exxon though.
7
No. It's not, "It gives the message that they're going to do what they have to EVEN THOUGH Rex Tillerson is Secretary of State - "
It is BECAUSE he is Sof S!
$2,000,000? Why wasn't it $200,000,000?
Two mil is what they spend on floral arrangements for a week, worldwide.
Jeff Sessions is toughening up the seizures of assets of those SUSPECTED OF CRIMES. Here, we have PROOF OF CRIMES.
Are we seizing Exxon-Mobile?
Why not?
I say nationalize them all.
If God has a different opinion then he can speak up, worldwide, and inform us all at the same moment. He can say, "I gave them all that oil! It only belongs to them! They can break all laws they want! Pipe down, rosa! I say what's the LAW!"
THIS is what is wrong with this nation!
It is BECAUSE he is Sof S!
$2,000,000? Why wasn't it $200,000,000?
Two mil is what they spend on floral arrangements for a week, worldwide.
Jeff Sessions is toughening up the seizures of assets of those SUSPECTED OF CRIMES. Here, we have PROOF OF CRIMES.
Are we seizing Exxon-Mobile?
Why not?
I say nationalize them all.
If God has a different opinion then he can speak up, worldwide, and inform us all at the same moment. He can say, "I gave them all that oil! It only belongs to them! They can break all laws they want! Pipe down, rosa! I say what's the LAW!"
THIS is what is wrong with this nation!
9
This is a long time coming. Part of the reason Tillerson wanted the position of Secretary of State was so he could white wash his dealings with Russian oligarchies.
7
$2 million...are you kidding me? Our government and all of its institutions and lawmakers have been so bought and paid for that the Treasury Dept. has no shame in even announcing this paltry settlement with Exxon Mobil. And to add insult to injury, Rex Tillerson is now our nation's Sec of State. How much lower can we sink?
18
Tillerson is currently the SECRETARY OF STATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! He was THE OIL COMPANY'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE during the VIOLATIONS! Here's your quote: "The Treasury Department on Thursday fined Exxon Mobil $2 million for violating sanctions that the United States imposed on Russia in 2014 while Rex W. Tillerson, now the secretary of state, was the oil company’s chief executive."
Where is the disconnect, NYT? If Exxon was "reckless" in their "disregard for US sanctions requirements" while Tillerson was CEO, why isn't he being called on the resign as he directed the breaking of US law.
What is going on in Trumpdum is the "reckless disregard" for anything that gets in the way of anything having to do with corporate power and, especially anything in relation to Russia.
Two million dollars is crump change to Exxon/Mobile. Where is the analysis, NYT, that we are supposed to be getting from your reporter(s)?
Where is the disconnect, NYT? If Exxon was "reckless" in their "disregard for US sanctions requirements" while Tillerson was CEO, why isn't he being called on the resign as he directed the breaking of US law.
What is going on in Trumpdum is the "reckless disregard" for anything that gets in the way of anything having to do with corporate power and, especially anything in relation to Russia.
Two million dollars is crump change to Exxon/Mobile. Where is the analysis, NYT, that we are supposed to be getting from your reporter(s)?
6
Paging Paul Ryan, anyone seen the Speaker? He has a Senate Bill on his desk for a House vote that passed in the Senate 97-0, removing Presidential control over Russian sanctions.
Check the gym... at the Russian Embassy.
Check the gym... at the Russian Embassy.
15
Channeling Maxine Waters!
2
$2,000,000 is nothing to Exxon, like less than 1/100 0f 1%. What nonsense or influence brought this travesty of justice? We all knew Tillerson was very well connected in Russia and now as Sec. of State he can be of considerable help to them. But to have this rediculous tiny amount assessed on the largest corporation in the world is beyond belief.
9
How ironic. It seems everywhere you turn in DJT'S extensive financial and pseudo - political orbit, connections to Russia of some sort just happen to pop up.
7
A two million dollar fine for contracted sanctions violations? Exxon's internal costs for legal and technical review probably amounted to more!
6
Is there anyone in this administration who does not work on behalf of Russia? Has our government been taken over by moles?
13
Another grain of sand on the mountain of circumstantial evidence that the Trump administration is choosing with Russia.
Russia is an adversary with a hostile intelligence service. We have had nuclear weapons aimed at each other for fifty years. They are not our friends.
Collusion with the enemy is treason.
Russia is an adversary with a hostile intelligence service. We have had nuclear weapons aimed at each other for fifty years. They are not our friends.
Collusion with the enemy is treason.
13
The amount of the fine is irrelevant. Like the saying goes, the headline is priceless.
But this question is long overdue: when will Tillerson return his friend of the Russian Federation medal? His possession of that is a clear conflict of interest for a SoS.
But this question is long overdue: when will Tillerson return his friend of the Russian Federation medal? His possession of that is a clear conflict of interest for a SoS.
5
How long before POTUS fires the OFAC team?
6
It's not about the amount of the fine, it's about the fact that this crook is now the secretary of state. What does that say about our country? What laws? What integrity?
8
But her emails!
8
They have put foxes in charge of all the hen houses.
Everyone in the cabinet it's an enemy of the mission of their department.
Everyone in the cabinet it's an enemy of the mission of their department.
7
I hope Mueller investigates the 2013 Russian Order of Friendship awardee Rex Tillerson,
3
What's new? Cheney and Rumsfeld are even better examples of presidents reaching out to people deeply conflicted and whose corporate dealings can scarcely be regarded as in the US interest, indeed are inimical to the interests of decent people everywhere. The interpenetration of corporate America with federal politics and the fact that big business sees big government as its instrument to maximize profits and returns to investors has been a feature of the Republic for decades, at least since Eisenhower lamented it 60 years ago. Trump is from the same mold, seeking to enhance his wealth and power at the expense not only of America, but people everywhere. Laws, taxes, decency, these are for the little people; what better to enter the executive of government where you can best subvert all three? We can hardly expect redemption from senators or representatives who are all riding on the same corporate-funded gravy train.
8
Thank you, Cephalus, for reminding us of Halliburton, the corporation that ran the Bush administration, after helping to fund and manage the campaign. They made out like bandits then and still do, having succeeded in what they set out to accomplish: embroiling the US in the Forever War. Ugly as Trump is, those murderous thugs in the Bush administration were far, far worse. They have the blood of millions of human beings on their hands. They turned a 155 billion surplus into a trillion dollar debt, and filled their own coffers in the process. Halliburton is exactly what Ike was warning us to beware: the military industrial complex.
3
Tillerson stands to make 100 million if he can lift Russian sanctions and negotiate Putin's Arctic oil deal with Exxon. Trump obviously put him into the state department as a gift to Putin.
9
Corporations aren't patriots and neither are our present leaders.
5
This information should have been available before Tillerson was confirmed as Sec of State
5
it was public knowledge and widely reported and ignored by the GOP yea votes
1
The Crimea is not Russian by right. The gave it to Ukraine decades ago. When they took it back it was through use of force in a secret war.
And even if it were true, that doesn't give Exxon the right to violate U.S. law while dealing with an adversary with a hostile intelligence service.
And even if it were true, that doesn't give Exxon the right to violate U.S. law while dealing with an adversary with a hostile intelligence service.
1
Nothing to see here obviously!
It's remarkable to see our country turn into a third-world banana republic., where ethics and the rule of law are limited-resource products. What a bunch of traitors...
It's remarkable to see our country turn into a third-world banana republic., where ethics and the rule of law are limited-resource products. What a bunch of traitors...
19
Laughably small fine for Exxon. Even $2 billion wouldn't give them pause; $2 million is just embarrassing for the government. *sigh* Yet another Russian victory/American embarrassment. And with Tillerson as Sec of State, busy decimating the state dept. -- well, what could possibly go wrong?
16
our beloved governor Christie saved exxon a bundle. what's couple millions to exxon?
1
The question is, just because $2m is chump change, is that justification enough to slap a sanctions charge as afterthought? If Treasury found Exxon's actions objectionable in 2014, what took them so long? It sure looks like bad faith existed on both sides, first a department that issued guidances designed to be ambiguous, then Exxon, who filled the blanks the best way it suited their purposes.
Clearly money is not the issue here. More likely a billionaire brawl brewing between Tillerson and Mnuchin, presumbly now shoving each other for power and access.
Separately, it must be said that Exxon is doing itself immense harm by advertising to anyone who'll listen that it doesn't have a compliance department, and all it's PR people do, is read newspapers and watch PBS so they can crank out PR denials much after the fact full of righteous indignation. Nice job if you can get it though. Probably pays at least...yes that's right.
Clearly money is not the issue here. More likely a billionaire brawl brewing between Tillerson and Mnuchin, presumbly now shoving each other for power and access.
Separately, it must be said that Exxon is doing itself immense harm by advertising to anyone who'll listen that it doesn't have a compliance department, and all it's PR people do, is read newspapers and watch PBS so they can crank out PR denials much after the fact full of righteous indignation. Nice job if you can get it though. Probably pays at least...yes that's right.
2
Exxon's most recent quarterly PROFIT was $4 billion.
A $2 million fine is an 0.0125% hit to their annualized income.
This is like fining a person who makes $50,000 annually $6.25 for violating international sanctions.
Welcome to the lawless Trump Administration and National Swamp Creature Refuge.
A $2 million fine is an 0.0125% hit to their annualized income.
This is like fining a person who makes $50,000 annually $6.25 for violating international sanctions.
Welcome to the lawless Trump Administration and National Swamp Creature Refuge.
43
ExxonMobil was fined $1,000,000. ExxonMobile's 2016 revenue was just under $200,000,000,000.
Take away some zeros and that works out to a $1 fine on each $100,000.
Would any American individual ever get away with that?
Take away some zeros and that works out to a $1 fine on each $100,000.
Would any American individual ever get away with that?
11
Well, the plot thickens. Here is a company under Mr. Tillerson's leadership going against the spirit of the Sanctions. This says miles about him and his position as Secretary of State.
24
2 million is nothing. Barely a speeding ticket.
While we deal with the very real hurricane of issues swirling around the Trump "presidency", Tillerson keeps his head low and does the work of big oil.
While we deal with the very real hurricane of issues swirling around the Trump "presidency", Tillerson keeps his head low and does the work of big oil.
21
Trump: "A tremendous leader and man."
Yeah, right!!
Don't we appear to have the fox in charge of the hen house here?
11
Lest we forget, Tillerson stands to make over 100 million if the Russian sanctions are lifted, for negotiating Putin's arctic oil deal with Exxon. No chance that Trump picking Tillerson was anything but setting up cooperation with Putin. As the dark underside of Trumpland is slowly revealed through investigations, Dems need to hang Trump's cabinet around McConnell's neck. Basically he rushed hearings through without proper oversight, ensuring that the unethical, law-breaking cabinet nominations sailed smoothly through.
45
No surprises here. Tillerson was selected by Trump because of his "ways" of dealing with Russia. They're all dishonest and money driven
14
It's just a cost of doing business unless the fine exceeds the profit made form violating the sanctions.
12
Yet another nail to be added to the coffin Mueller is building for these unethical menaces. Come on, Bob!
6
$2,000,000? That is the cost of a can of whitewash.
9
I wonder if ExxonMobil's failure to comply with US law imposing sanctions on Russia has anything to do with selection of ExxonMobil's CEO to be Trump’s Secretary of State?
8
Tillerson's elevation to Secretary of State shows how djt and the Republican Congress will ignore any conflict of interest as long as the nominee assures them that he represents their special interests instead of the good of the country. It should have been obvious at the outset that Tillierson's priorities put Exxon ahead of any loyalty to this country. It's no wonder Trump selected him as the sole observer to the meeting with Putin; he has a vested interest in ensuring Putin's good will.
31
Come on 2 million dollar fine thats chump change in regard to what Mobil Exxon made in the deals with Russia. Violate the law and get a slap on the wrist that you will probably write off as an expense anyway.
26
Fining ExxonMobil $2m is like fining a person who earns $50K/year ... wait for it ... $12.82.* That not a typo. It's twelve dollars and change.
That'll teach them.
(*Based on ExxonMobil's $7.8 billion 2016 earnings.)
That'll teach them.
(*Based on ExxonMobil's $7.8 billion 2016 earnings.)
11
Never in my lifetime or in the history books I've read, have I seen such a blatantly corrupt Administration.
37
That's hitting them in the purse. It will take ExxonMobil almost 6 minutes to recoup that fine.
20
This should be of interest to Mr. Mueller?
Follow the money; where are the charlatan's taxes?
Follow the money; where are the charlatan's taxes?
27
The problem is @$2M is nada compared to what Tillerson extracted. This is ridiculous. It's obviously a game being played that Exxon really cares about the fine.
http://news.exxonmobil.com/press-release/exxonmobil-earns-325-billion-20...
http://news.exxonmobil.com/press-release/exxonmobil-earns-325-billion-20...
4
Revised Headline:
"Exxon Mobil Fined for Violating Sanctions on Russia and Has Been Promoted To Run The Lawless State Department."
Who need ethics when corruption, immunity from lawbreaking and malfeasance are so much more profitable ?
We're going to need a much bigger swamp for the Trump Creatures.
"Exxon Mobil Fined for Violating Sanctions on Russia and Has Been Promoted To Run The Lawless State Department."
Who need ethics when corruption, immunity from lawbreaking and malfeasance are so much more profitable ?
We're going to need a much bigger swamp for the Trump Creatures.
31
And so will he resign? Yeah sure. These guys are such crooks and hypocrites.
7
So when does Tillerson finally burst at the seams? Chastised by the Much younger Boy Jared, reduced to watching foreign diplomacy from the sidelines while Same Boy Wonder hops around the globe pretending h actually knows something, or finally being drawn over the coals with work he did canoodling with Russia while The Big Cheese at Exxon?
My, how the Mighty have Fallen. So how does the everyday humbling and humiliating experience of most Americans feel, Till ??
My, how the Mighty have Fallen. So how does the everyday humbling and humiliating experience of most Americans feel, Till ??
4
If ANYone is surprised, they aren't paying attention.
15
Tillerson was right. These sanctions don't help anything.
Moreover Crimea is Russian by right, and the US has no more business interfering in disputes between former member states of the USSR than it does between member states and the European Union.
Finally, Congressional Democrats are no more capable of conducting foreign policy than Republicans can do health care.
Moreover Crimea is Russian by right, and the US has no more business interfering in disputes between former member states of the USSR than it does between member states and the European Union.
Finally, Congressional Democrats are no more capable of conducting foreign policy than Republicans can do health care.
1
Mr. Carl H. Peterson is quite a piece of work. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt regarding the effectiveness of sanctions. Where he goes off he cliff is his insane statement implying that all of the "former member states of the USSR" basically remain in Russia's sphere of influence and should not be part of our (U.S.) "business." So, putting aside Ukraine for a moment, he's saying that Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the five "stans" in Central Asia are all countries that Russia should feel free to deal with despite their new independence. Just for starters, is Mr. Peterson chagrined that the three Baltic countries are now member of both the E.U. and NATO? [Of course, it appears that the real reason for his comment was to take a pot shot at "Congressional Democrats." Crazy.
6
Carl, please answer this question: are you a Russian bot?
1
Wrong! Crimea was part of Russia from 1783, when the Tsarist Empire annexed it a decade after defeating Ottoman forces in the Battle of Kozludzha, until 1954, when the Soviet government transferred Crimea from the Russian Soviet Federation of Socialist Republics (RSFSR) to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (UkrSSR).M
If you can read it says "the Soviet government".
If you can read it says "the Soviet government".