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Jerry Falwell Jr. says Tillerson’s social views are irrelevant
Image source: Fox News/YouTube

Jerry Falwell Jr. says Tillerson’s social views are irrelevant

Jerry Falwell Jr., president of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, is standing by President-elect Donald Trump's choice for secretary of state, ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson.

While some in evangelical circles have taken issue with Tillerson's less-than-conservative views on social issues, Falwell said they just don't matter because he won't "have to weigh in on any of those issues" in his role as the U.S.'s chief diplomat.

"His position on social issues I don't believe are relevant in the position of secretary of state," Falwell said on "Fox News Sunday." "I don't think he'll ever have to weigh in on any of those issues. I think he's going to be out cutting deals like he did as the CEO of a global enterprise with Exxon."

Tillerson has been criticized by Christian circles for his opposition to a rule that would have barred young gay men from participating in Boy Scouts. In addition, he has donated to Planned Parenthood — an organization that is anathema to social conservatives —  in the past.

Though Falwell, who leads the world's largest Christian university, may hold differing views on those topics, he is convinced that Tillerson's positions will make no difference in his role as secretary of state.

"I don't think his position on social issues will ever make a difference as secretary of state," he told Fox host Chris Wallace.

Falwell was one of Trump's earliest supporters and has faced criticism for his unwavering allegiance to the brash billionaire businessman, even through the release of his explicit comments about women on the 2005 "Access Hollywood" tape. Falwell said it was "sort of a gamble" to endorse Trump.

"I didn't know where he'd come down on all the issues, but, because I believed he was a good man, I believed he would come down on the right side of the issues, and he's done that in the past year," he said, adding, "It was a big risk for me, but so much was at stake, I couldn't afford to stay silent."

The Liberty University president, who was reportedly offered a role in the Trump White House, said it has been "the most exciting thing" to watch the incoming president piece together his administration.

"I think what Trump is doing with his Cabinet is assembling a dream team," Falwell said.

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