Career Timeline of Mike Pompeo: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Mike Pompeo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mike Pompeo is an American politician who held significant roles in the Trump administration. He was the Director of the CIA from 2017 to 2018 and then served as the 70th United States Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021. Prior to his executive branch service, Pompeo was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Kansas's 4th congressional district from 2011 to 2017.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

2014: Remarks on Christianity and Politics

In 2014, Mike Pompeo told a church group that Christians needed to recognize Jesus Christ as the only true savior for the world.

2015: Remarks on Politics and the Rapture

In 2015, Mike Pompeo stated at a church that politics is a never-ending struggle until the Rapture.

January 7, 2019: Pompeo begins diplomatic tour of the Middle East

On January 7, 2019, Pompeo began a diplomatic tour of the Middle East, including stops in Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and the Gulf nations, to assure regional U.S. partners that the U.S. mission to degrade and destroy the Islamic State and counter Iranian influence had not changed despite the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria.

January 23, 2019: Pompeo recognizes Juan Guaidó as interim president of Venezuela

On January 23, 2019, Pompeo announced that the U.S. would recognize Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela and that American diplomats would remain in Caracas. Also on this date, a ceremony to honor Pompeo and Jair Bolsonaro was canceled after protests regarding Bolsonaro's remarks.

May 14, 2019: Pompeo meets with Lavrov and Putin in Sochi

On May 14, 2019, Pompeo met with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian president Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia, to discuss Syria, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). Pompeo also brought up Russian election interference, which Putin denied.

January 2020: Trump administration approves drone strike that assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani

In January 2020, the Trump administration approved a drone strike that assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Pompeo asserted the attack was ordered by Trump to disrupt an "imminent attack" by Soleimani operatives.

June 2020: Pompeo declines to run for U.S. Senate seat in Kansas

In June 2020, Pompeo declined to enter the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Kansas, after considering leaving the Trump administration.

August 27, 2020: Pompeo concludes Middle East trip

On August 27, 2020, Pompeo concluded a Middle East trip after visiting Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said, aimed at encouraging Arab countries to follow the UAE's move to normalize relations with Israel.

2024: Pompeo promotes his book in presumed presidential candidacy

In 2024, in an effort to promote his presumed candidacy in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, Pompeo's book reiterated that the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi was of little international consequence.