Former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney is "looking forward to" the coming administration following his meeting with President-elect Donald Trump, setting aside differences that emerged throughout the 2016 election season.
Mr Romney greeted the New York businessman and Vice President-elect Mike Pence at the Trump National Golf Course in Bedminster, New Jersey, following speculation that he would join the Trump Cabinet as Secretary of State.
"We had a far-reaching conversation, with regard to the various theatres where there are interests of the United States of real signifcance," he told reporters following the meeting. "We discussed those areas and exchanged our views on those topics. Very thorough and in depth discussion in the time we had, and appreciate the chance to speak with the President-elect and look forward to the coming administration."
It still remains unclear whether Mr Trump will actually offer the State Department to Mr Romney.
The 2012 Republican candidate was an outspoken critic of Mr Trump’s candidacy, calling him a “phony” and a “fraud” in March. But the two were expected to discuss “governing moving forward”.
In June, Mr Romney accused Mr Trump of racism and bigotry – statements reaffirmed by his appointment of right-wing hardliners with histories of racism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and Islamophobia.
“I don’t want to see a President of the United States saying things which change the character of generations of Americans that are following,” Mr Romney said. “Presidents have an impact on the nature of our nation, and trickle-down racism and trickle-down bigotry and trickle-down misogyny – all of these things are extraordinarily dangerous to the heart and character of America."
