Challenges Faced by Mike Pompeo: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Mike Pompeo. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Mike Pompeo is an American politician who held significant roles in the Trump administration. He served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2017 to 2018 and then 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.

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

January 23, 2019: U.S. 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. American diplomats would remain in Caracas, despite Nicolás Maduro giving them three days to evacuate. A ceremony hosted by the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce, originally set to honor Pompeo and Bolsonaro, was canceled after protests for Bolsonaro's "homophobic, racist and misogynist remarks".

May 2019: Pompeo pushes through $8.1 billion arms sale to Saudi Arabia and UAE

In May 2019, Pompeo announced an "emergency" to push through $8.1 billion of arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing Iranian activity in the Middle East. This action triggered congressional opposition and an investigation into the propriety of the arms sale.

April 23, 2020: Pompeo claims China denied U.S. scientists access to investigate COVID-19 origin

On April 23, 2020, Pompeo claimed that China had denied U.S. scientists permission to enter the country to ascertain the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic. He did not provide details of any requests for such visits.

May 2020: Trump fires Inspector General Linick at Pompeo's recommendation

In May 2020, President Trump fired Inspector General Linick at Pompeo's recommendation. This action was scrutinized by Congress, with Linick later testifying that he was improperly pressured to halt an investigation.

June 2020: Linick testifies about pressure to halt investigation

In June 2020, the fired Inspector General Linick testified that Brian Bulatao, a Pompeo ally, attempted to bully and improperly pressure him into halting an investigation.

August 2020: Afghan government releases Taliban prisoners

By August 2020, the Afghan government had released all but 400 of the 5,000 imprisoned Taliban members required by the deal brokered by the Trump administration. Pompeo urged the Afghan government to release the remaining prisoners.

August 2020: Akard resigns as acting IG and OIG releases report on emergency arms sales

In August 2020, Stephen Akard resigned as acting IG after Linick's firing. A week later, the OIG issued a report on emergency arms sales, finding that Pompeo did not violate procedures but the State Department failed to fully consider the humanitarian impact of the sales to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

August 25, 2020: Pompeo speaks at Republican National Convention during official trip

On August 25, 2020, Pompeo recorded a speech during an official diplomatic visit to Jerusalem for the Republican National Convention, supporting Donald Trump. This broke precedent, as State Department leaders typically do not speak at political party events.

November 10, 2020: Pompeo's response to transition of power

On November 10, 2020, when asked about a smooth transition to the Biden administration, Pompeo responded that there would be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.

December 2020: Pompeo hosts large holiday parties during pandemic

In December 2020, during a spike in COVID-19 cases and deaths, Pompeo hosted large indoor holiday parties with hundreds of guests, violating public health guidance and Washington D.C.'s restrictions. The parties were described as superspreader events. He later cancelled a party after coming in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual.

January 12, 2021: Pompeo cancels European trip

On January 12, 2021, Pompeo cancelled a planned European trip because European diplomats declined to meet with him.

January 20, 2021: China sanctions Pompeo

On January 20, 2021, China sanctioned Pompeo and several other Trump administration officials for "seriously violated China's sovereignty." The sanctions included a ban from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, and restrictions on doing business with China.

May 2021: US withdrawal timeline from Afghanistan

In early 2020, Pompeo touted the Trump administration's agreement with the Taliban that put the U.S. on a trajectory to leave Afghanistan by May 2021.

August 2021: Pompeo distances himself from Afghanistan situation post-withdrawal

In August 2021, Pompeo expressed support for the Biden administration's extension of the withdrawal timeline of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. However, he ultimately distanced himself and the Trump administration from the situation facing Afghanistan post-withdrawal, following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban.

November 2021: Office of Special Counsel report concludes Pompeo violated Hatch Act

In November 2021, the Office of the Special Counsel released a report concluding that Pompeo was one of at least 13 senior Trump administration officials who violated the Hatch Act by speaking at the Republican National Convention in 2020. The office found that Pompeo knew of the Hatch Act's restrictions before giving the speech and had ignored advice from State Department personnel on "how to comply with the Hatch Act when delivering the speech."

August 2022: Pompeo target of Iranian assassination plot

In August 2022, it emerged that Pompeo was the target of an assassination plot by Iran.

2024: Pompeo would not be appointed to Trump admin

After Trump's victory in the 2024 election, he declared that Mike Pompeo and Nikki Haley would not be appointed to positions in his next administration. According to The Wall Street Journal, Tucker Carlson and Donald Trump Jr. played a key role in blocking Pompeo's return.