Tillerson defends Trump's mental health

International Desk: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says he has "never questioned" President Trump's mental health after the author of controversial book said his staff saw him as a "child".

Michael Wolff says Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House is based on about 200 interviews.

The book has now gone on sale early despite the president's attempts to block its publication.

Mr Trump says the book is "full of lies".

He said it was being pushed by the media and others to hurt him. He added: "They should try winning an election. Sad!"

Mr Tillerson - who reportedly called Mr Trump a "moron" earlier this year - told CNN: "I have no reason to question his mental fitness."

He said Mr Trump was "not typical of presidents of the past".

"I think that's well recognized. That's also though why the American people chose him," he said.

On Friday, Mr Trump refused to answer questions about the book as he departed for Camp David from the White House. Mr Trump will spend two days meeting top Republicans at the retreat to discuss his legislative priorities for the year ahead.

Wolff said that White House staff described the president as childlike because "he has the need for immediate gratification. It's all about him... This man does not read, does not listen. He's like a pinball just shooting off the sides."

Despite the storm over the book, the Trump administration has been pressing ahead with its agenda. On Thursday it:

Mr Tillerson added that he had a "developing relationship" with the president and denied speculation that he was set to quit the White House after a rumoured rift, saying he would serve for the whole of 2018.

"In terms of what I would do different, I'm going to build on my ability to communicate with the president better," he told CNN.

BBC


risingbd/Dhaka/Jan 6, 2018/Nasim