WASHINGTON, March 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Steve Goldstein was fired on Tuesday after he said that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson "did not speak to the President this morning and is unaware of the reason" for being sacked.

The White House then fired Goldstein just hours after Tillerson was let go on Tuesday morning.

The White House called Goldstein to tell him that he is no longer needed.

Before the news of dismissal broke out, Goldstein told the media on behalf of the State Department via email that Tillerson "had every intention of remaining because of the tangible progress made on critical national security issues."

"He established and enjoyed relationships with his counterparts. He will miss his colleagues at the Department of State and enjoyed working together with the Department of Defense in an uncommonly robust relationship," he added.

He noted that Tillerson "is grateful for the opportunity to serve, and still believes strongly that public service is a noble calling and not to be regretted."

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump announced to sack Tillerson and nominate Mike Pompeo, director of Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), to replace him. The nomination was waiting for the confirmation of the Senate.