Rex Tillerson got fired Tuesday, and it turns out he learned of his firing via tweet from President Donald Trump—because of course he did.
Mike Pompeo, Director of the CIA, will become our new Secretary of State. He will do a fantastic job! Thank you to Rex Tillerson for his service! Gina Haspel will become the new Director of the CIA, and the first woman so chosen. Congratulations to all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 13, 2018
I am told Tillerson found out he was fired from Trump’s tweet.
— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) March 13, 2018
This morning. Knew there was tension but was not going to quit and did not know he was fired
We got off the plane with Tillerson less than four hours ago. There was zero indication on flight home that this was imminent.
— Josh Lederman (@JoshNBCNews) March 13, 2018
As a result, the internet has a new verb for dumping someone unaware via social media: Tillersoned. Think of it as a step up from ghosting, since at least you announced the breakup at all.
Washington Post editor Karen Attiah appears to have coined the phrase.
CONFESSION: I once Tillerson-ed an ex by breaking up with him via changing my relationship status to “Single” on Facebook.
— Karen Attiah (@KarenAttiah) March 13, 2018
The day before Valentine’s day.
Not my best moment.
People are pouring in with tweets of their own accounts of Tillersoning. Some are more savage than others.
I once #Tillersoned an ex by changing my Facebook status to "single."
— Rushad “He is Risen! Alleluia” Thomas (@rushadthomas) March 13, 2018
I got Tillersoned sophomore year of high school. She changed her status to single but also got into a public relationship with someone else before I even made it back from debate practice lmao https://t.co/oDzfkBN3lJ
— Astead (@AsteadWH) March 13, 2018
https://twitter.com/runaway0121/status/973579437202722816
https://twitter.com/vikkie/status/973580102930968577
There are also those moral souls who have not Tillersoned a romantic partner (yet).
Going to sit confidently on my high horse and say that I am pretty sure I have never Tillersoned anyone. I'm still probably a terrible person, but haven't hit that hallmark yet.
— Loree Stark (@loreestark) March 13, 2018
But whether you’ve been on the giving or receiving end of a Tillerson-style dump, rest easy knowing you’re not alone. It’s just another phase in the evolution of heartbreak.
Harsh breakup styles throughout history:
— Isaac Fitzgerald (@IsaacFitzgerald) March 13, 2018
• 50s — Returned letter jacket
• 80s — Note through a friend
• 90s — Message left on answering machine
• 00s — SMS text
• 10s — Ghosted
• Now — Ya got Tillerson-ed, baby
H/T Mashable