Challenges Faced by Mike Pompeo: Obstacles and Turning Points
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Mike Pompeo. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Michael Richard Pompeo is a retired American politician notable for his high-profile roles in the Trump administration. He served as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2017 to 2018 and subsequently as the 70th United States Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021. Before his executive branch service, Pompeo represented Kansas in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017, marking his earlier career in elected office. His tenure as Secretary of State was marked by a hawkish foreign policy, particularly toward Iran and China.
2014: Sanctions on Russia for Annexing Crimea
In 2014, Pompeo rejected a claimed double standard in recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights but placing sanctions on Russia for annexing Crimea, he said "What the President did with the Golan Heights is recognize the reality on the ground and the security situation necessary for the protection of the Israeli state."
May 2019: Pompeo announces emergency to push through arms sales to Saudi Arabia and UAE
In May 2019, Pompeo declared an "emergency" to facilitate $8.1 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing Iranian activity, which triggered congressional opposition and an investigation into the propriety of the arms sale.
March 5, 2020: ICC investigation into US crimes in Afghanistan approved
On March 5, 2020, the ICC gave a decision to approve an investigation into US crimes in Afghanistan. Conditions included restrictions on the issuance of visas on Mike Pompeo´s instruction from the Department of State.
March 17, 2020: Threats to ICC Staff Members
On March 17, 2020, Pompeo threatened two staff members of the International Criminal Court, Phakiso Mochochoko and Fatou Bensouda's. Pompeo claimed that they were putting Americans at risk, and intimidated them that the US could act against them, as well as other ICC personnel and their families.
April 23, 2020: Pompeo claims China denied access to U.S. scientists
On April 23, 2020, Pompeo claimed that China had denied U.S. scientists permission to enter the country to investigate the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic, though he provided no details of any requests.
May 2020: Trump fires Inspector General Linick at Pompeo's recommendation
In May 2020, Trump fired Inspector General Linick at Pompeo's recommendation, leading to scrutiny by Congress.
May 2020: Firing of Steve Linick
In May 2020, Trump fired State Department inspector general, Steve Linick, who had begun an investigation into ethics violations by Pompeo and his wife.
June 2020: Linick testifies about pressure to halt investigation
In June 2020, Linick testified that Brian Bulatao, a Pompeo ally, attempted to "bully" and improperly pressure him into halting the investigation.
August 2020: Acting IG Akard resigns and OIG issues report on arms sales
In August 2020, Stephen Akard resigned as acting IG, and the OIG issued a report that found Pompeo did not violate procedures in declaring the "emergency" but also determined that the State Department failed to fully consider the humanitarian impact of the arms sale.
October 2020: Cancellation of Visits and Meeting with Quad Allies
In October 2020, Pompeo cancelled scheduled visits to South Korea and Mongolia after Donald Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis. He still met with foreign ministers of Quad allies, accusing the Chinese Communist Party of "exploitation, corruption and coercion".
December 2020: Pompeo hosts large indoor holiday parties against public health guidance
In December 2020, during a spike in COVID-19 cases, Pompeo hosted large indoor holiday parties with hundreds of guests, violating public health guidance and Washington D.C.'s restrictions, leading to cancellations and criticism.
2020: Declining Consular Protection to Joshua Wong
In 2020, Pompeo declined to offer U.S. consular protection to Hong Kong democracy activist Joshua Wong, despite appeals from Wong and several members of Congress.
January 12, 2021: Pompeo cancels European trip due to diplomats declining to meet with him
On January 12, 2021, Pompeo cancelled a planned European trip after European diplomats declined to meet with him.
April 2, 2021: Reversal of Sanctions
On April 2, 2021, the Biden administration reversed the sanctions.
April 2021: Release of Inspector General's Review Report
In April 2021, the review report on ethics violations by Pompeo and his wife was released, finding over 100 instances of misconduct, including requests for State Department staff to perform personal errands.
2021: Regret for Lack of Progress on North Korea
In 2021, Mike Pompeo expressed regret that "we didn't make more progress" on North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
August 2022: Pompeo was the target of an assassination plot by Iran
In August 2022 it emerged that Pompeo was the target of an assassination plot by Iran.
January 2024: House Select Committee Hearing
During a January 2024 House Select Committee hearing, Pompeo addressed questions about denying refuge to Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong. He stated that the US can always do more to protect those in their capacity to speak their mind peaceably.
January 22, 2025: President Trump revokes Pompeo's security detail
On January 22, 2025, President Trump revoked Pompeo's security detail.
