Trump picks Exxon-Mobil CEO Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, eyes Rick Perry for Energy Dept.

U.S. president-elect Donald Trumpannounced Exxon-Mobil Corp's Rex Tillerson as his choice forsecretary of state on Tuesdayand, according to sources, will tap former Texas governor Rick Perry to lead the Energy Department.

• A look at Trump's cabinet so far

Trump's transition team said Tillerson has experience as "an international deal-maker" with the world's largest energy company, but questions have been raised about his relations with Russia.

He will help reverse years of misguidedforeign policies. Donald Trump, U.S. president-elect

"His tenacity, broad experience and deep understanding ofgeopolitics make him an excellent choice," Trump said ina statement released by his team.

"He will help reverse years of misguidedforeign policies and actions that have weakened America'ssecurity and standing in the world."

Tillerson said he shared Trump's "vision for restoring thecredibility of the United States' foreign relations andadvancing our country's national security."

'He has avery close relationship with Vladimir Putin.' SenatorJohnMcCain

Trump picked Tillerson, 64, after the Texan was backed byseveral Republican establishment figures including former secretary of state James Baker, former secretary of stateCondoleeza Rice and former defence secretary Robert Gates, thetransition official said.

Their support is seen as key to helping Tillerson get past apossibly contentious Senate confirmation battle likely to focuson his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In 2013, Putin bestowed a Russian state honour, the Order of Friendship, on Tillerson, citing his work "strengthening co-operation in the energy sector."

Trump appeared briefly in the Trump Tower lobby on Tuesday upon the arrival of rapper Kanye West. Trump was scheduled to hold a news conference about his cabinet picks and the management of his business empire, but said via Twitter it would be postponed until "the nearfuture."

Harsh critic

Perry met with the man he once called a "cancer on conservatism" on Monday at Trump Tower in New York.

The two-time presidential candidate was a harsh critic of Trump during the 2016 election race, but later endorsed him and said he'd be willing to work in a Trump administration.

During his first campaign, Perry vowed to abolish the department he is now apparently in line to run.

While debating fellow Republicansin 2011, Perry said he would do away with three federal departments if elected president. He named education and commerce but was unable to remember the third, which he later said was the Department of Energy.

The two people with knowledge of Trump's pick insisted on anonymity because they were not authorized to disclose the decision ahead of the official announcement

Praise from Moscow

Meanwhile, lawmakers from both major parties have raised questions about Tillerson and former UN ambassador John Bolton, who has been mentioned as a possible number 2 State Department official and who has voiced hawkish views on Iraq and Iran.

Republicans and Democrats saidTillerson would be asked about his contactswith Russia, having metPutinseveral times. He won fresh praisefrom Moscow on Monday.

• Mitch McConnell's Russia gamble may have paid off

Senator John McCain of Arizona, a leading foreign policy voice and the 2008 Republican candidate for president, told Reuters in an interview: "I have concerns. It's very well known that he has a very close relationship with Vladimir Putin."

There has been controversy over the role alleged Russiancyber hacking may have had on the outcome of the Nov. 8presidential election, in which Trump defeated Democrat HillaryClinton.

Navy SEAL up for cabinet post: reports

Trump has picked first-term Republican Congressman Ryan Zinke of Montana, a former Navy SEAL commander, as his interior secretary, according to media reports.

Zinke, 55, has yet to accept the offer and has given no indication as to which way he is leaning, Politico reported, citing two transition officials and someone familiar with the offer.

The Washington Post, citing an individual with first-hand knowledge of the decision, also reported that Zinke had been tapped to lead the Interior Department.