Post from X (Twitter)

Analysis: Rex Tillerson Teaser Post (2016-12-11)

This post is a classic transition-period teaser, dangling the Secretary of State appointment of Rex Tillerson while simultaneously praising him. The post functions as reality-TV-style suspense ("Stay tuned!") applied to cabinet selection.

Authorship

Posted at 10:29 AM EST (Trump was in the NYC area based on Fox News Sunday appearance that day). Business hours, polished grammar, strategic messaging — consistent with aide involvement, though the "Stay tuned!" catchphrase and dealmaker framing are quintessentially Trump. Likely collaborative or Trump-dictated.

Psychological Dynamics

The post reveals Trump's characteristic projection of his own self-concept onto valued others. Calling Tillerson a "world class player and dealmaker" mirrors Trump's core identity claims. The selection of an ExxonMobil CEO — one of the world's largest companies — serves narcissistic supply through association with power and wealth.

The "Whether I choose him or not" framing emphasizes Trump's sovereign decision-making authority. He is the casting director; Tillerson auditions. This is a pure power/agency display.

Rhetorical Function

The "Stay tuned!" converts governance into entertainment programming, maintaining audience engagement through serial suspense — a technique directly imported from The Apprentice format.

Fact Verification

Overall Veracity: 100%