Fired US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has called Washington a "very mean-spirited town" as he took veiled potshots at his former boss President Donald Trump in his farewell address to his staff.
Trump announced the sacking of Tillerson last week by tweet and named CIA Director Mike Pompeo as his successor.
Tillerson mentioned Trump only once in his remarks, in passing and not by name, as he told staffers about preparing background materials "that were first the basis for discussions at the National Security Council and ultimately with the President."
"It belongs to you," Tillerson said. "Only you can relinquish it or allow it to be compromised."
He urged the employees to "treat each other with respect," adding that "we're all just human beings trying to do our part."