Trump to announce top diplomat pick Tuesday

List of contenders includes eight or nine names, including former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney

WASHINGTON: President-elect Donald Trump said he will announce his choice to fill the prized post of secretary of state on Tuesday, ending weeks-long speculation over the globally important vacancy.

"I will be making my announcement on the next Secretary of State tomorrow morning," Trump said, using his favored medium, Twitter, AFP announced.



Trump has led a contentious search for America's next top diplomat, with Exxon-Mobil president and CEO Rex Tillerson newly tipped as the most likely pick despite concerns over his ties to Russia's Vladimir Putin.



But the list of contenders includes eight or nine names, including the erstwhile Trump critic and former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. The post is the most prestigious outstanding position in Trump's cabinet in waiting.