Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Mike Pompeo
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Mike Pompeo.
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.
2009: Signing of No Climate Tax Pledge
In 2009, Pompeo signed the No Climate Tax pledge of Americans for Prosperity.
May 31, 2011: Vote to Eliminate Funding for the United Nations Population Fund
On May 31, 2011, Pompeo voted for H.R.2059 11-HR2059, which eliminated funding for the United Nations Population Fund.
2012: Call for Elimination of Wind Power Production Tax Credits
In 2012, Pompeo called for the permanent elimination of wind power production tax credits, referring to them as an "enormous government handout".
2013: Comments on Climate Change
In 2013, Pompeo expressed skepticism about climate change, stating that there were scientists who thought different things about it and that the last 16 years showed a pretty stable climate environment.
2013: Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp Visit and Comments
In 2013, Pompeo opposed closing Guantanamo Bay detention camp. After visiting the prison in 2013, he commented on the prisoners' hunger strike, stating that they appeared to have gained weight.
2013: Support for United States Federal Government Shutdown
In 2013, Pompeo supported the United States federal government shutdown, blaming President Obama and stating it was necessary to avoid a future financial collapse.
2013: Pompeo supports NSA surveillance programs
In 2013, Pompeo supported the surveillance programs of the National Security Agency, referring to the agency's efforts as "good and important work".
2013: Pompeo says Muslim leaders are 'potentially complicit' in attacks
In a 2013 speech, Pompeo stated that Muslim leaders who fail to denounce acts of terrorism are "potentially complicit" in the attacks.
March 2014: Denouncement of Edward Snowden Telecast
In March 2014, Pompeo denounced the inclusion of a telecast by Edward Snowden at the South by Southwest conference, calling for its cancellation and predicting it would encourage "lawless behavior".
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."
July 21, 2015: Allegations of Secret Side Agreements with Iran
On July 21, 2015, Pompeo and Senator Tom Cotton alleged the existence of secret side agreements between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) regarding Iran's nuclear activities under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.
2015: Opposition to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Regulation
In 2015, Pompeo opposed the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions by the United States and supported eliminating the federal register of greenhouse gas emissions.
February 2016: Comments on Edward Snowden and Federal Records Act
In February 2016, Pompeo stated that Edward Snowden should face a death sentence upon his return from Russia. He also expressed support for reforming the Federal Records Act.
2016: ACT for America gives Pompeo national security eagle award
In 2016, ACT for America gave Pompeo a "national security eagle award" for his comments on Islam.
2016: Pompeo advocates for re-establishing metadata collection
In 2016, Pompeo stated, "Congress should pass a law re-establishing collection of all metadata, and combining it with publicly available financial and lifestyle information into a comprehensive, searchable database."
2016: 2016 election (including the DNC server)
In 2016, Sondland said they kept the leadership of the NSC and State Department, including Pompeo, informed about their activities, and that as late as September 24, Pompeo was still telling Volker to talk with Giuliani, specifically mentioned the 2016 election (including the DNC server) and Burisma as two topics of importance to the President.
March 2017: Invoked state secrets privilege
In March 2017, Mike Pompeo formally invoked state secrets privilege to prevent CIA officers from being compelled to testify in the trial of Bruce Jessen and James Elmer Mitchell.
March 2017: WikiLeaks publishes Vault 7 documents
In March 2017, WikiLeaks began publishing the Vault 7 documents, detailing the CIA's electronic surveillance and cyber warfare activities.
April 2017: Pompeo calls WikiLeaks a non-state hostile intelligence service
In an April 2017 speech, Pompeo called WikiLeaks "a non-state hostile intelligence service" and described Assange as a "narcissist" and "a fraud—a coward hiding behind a screen".
April 2017: Described WikiLeaks as a "hostile intelligence service"
On April 2017, Mike Pompeo described WikiLeaks as a "hostile intelligence service" in response to the publication of Vault 7.
July 2017: Comments on North Korea and Denuclearization
In July 2017, Pompeo expressed his desire for regime change in North Korea and said that the most dangerous thing about North Korea's nuclear weapons was "the character who holds the control over them today."
September 2017: Sought authority for covert drone strikes
In September 2017, Mike Pompeo sought authority for the CIA to make covert drone strikes without the Pentagon's involvement, including inside Afghanistan.
2017: Efforts to Undermine Iran Nuclear Deal
In 2017, Pompeo worked to undermine the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal with Iran, referring to it as a "disastrous deal".
April 2018: First Madison Dinner
Beginning in April 2018, Pompeo hosted taxpayer-funded "Madison dinners" at the State Department's headquarters, raising ethical concerns.
September 2018: Support for US Military Support in Yemen
In September 2018, Pompeo backed continued U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, despite warnings that a cutoff could jeopardize weapons sales to America's Gulf allies.
November 2018: Blaming Iran for Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
In November 2018, Pompeo blamed Iran for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, while also claiming Saudi Arabia had provided millions in humanitarian relief.
November 16, 2018: Disputed CIA Conclusion on Khashoggi's Assassination
On November 16, 2018, Mike Pompeo disputed the CIA's conclusion on Khashoggi's assassination, declaring there was no direct evidence linking the Crown Prince to the assassination.
March 2019: Pompeo exchanged emails and phone calls with Giuliani
In late March 2019, Pompeo and Giuliani exchanged emails and phone calls before Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch was recalled from Ukraine. Giuliani later admitted to speaking with Pompeo to relay information gathered during his Ukrainian research and provided memos of his interviews with Ukrainian prosecutors at Pompeo's request.
April 2019: Pompeo's Speech at Texas A&M University
In April 2019 speech at Texas A&M University, Pompeo said "I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole. It was like we had entire training courses . . . it reminds you of the glory of the American experiment."
May 2019: Actions Against Environmental Protection at Arctic Council
In May 2019, Pompeo acted against environmental protection at the Arctic Council, refusing to sign on to a joint statement unless mentions of climate change were removed. He also said climate change could be good for the Arctic.
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.
October 1, 2019: Response to Subpoenas Regarding Ukraine Communications
On October 1, 2019, Pompeo responded to subpoenas for documents regarding Trump's communications with Ukraine, stating they were an attempt to intimidate State Department professionals. The House Committee chairmen considered this an obstruction of the impeachment inquiry.
October 2019: Promotion of Speech "On Being a Christian Leader"
In October 2019, the State Department promoted Pompeo's speech "On Being a Christian Leader," delivered to the American Association of Christian Counselors. The promotion was criticized for potentially violating the separation of church and state.
October 22, 2019: William B. Taylor Jr.'s Testimony
On October 22, 2019, William B. Taylor Jr. testified that the White House was withholding military aid to Ukraine for domestic political cooperation. He added that Pompeo failed to respond to complaints about Giuliani's shadow foreign policy.
October 23, 2019: FOIA request orders State Department to release Ukraine-related records
On October 23, 2019, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request by American Oversight led a federal judge to order the State Department to release Ukraine-related records, including communications between Pompeo and Rudy Giuliani, within 30 days.
November 2019: Change in U.S. Policy on Israeli Settlements
In November 2019, Pompeo said the U.S. no longer views Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as a violation of international law, breaking with decades of U.S. policy.
November 20, 2019: Gordon Sondland's Public Testimony
On November 20, 2019, Ambassador Gordon Sondland testified that he, Rick Perry, and Kurt Volker kept Pompeo and others informed about their activities regarding Ukraine and Rudy Giuliani.
January 2020: Interview with Mary Louise Kelly and Subsequent Admonishment
In January 2020, Pompeo abruptly ended an interview with Mary Louise Kelly of NPR and admonished her privately for asking questions about Ukraine.
January 2020: Approval of Drone Strike Assassinating Qasem Soleimani
In January 2020, the Trump administration approved a drone strike that assassinated Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Pompeo was reportedly among the most hawkish advisors during the meeting in which the assassination was decided.
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.
July 23, 2020: Announcement of End to "Blind Engagement" with China
On July 23, 2020, Pompeo announced the end of what he termed "blind engagement" with the Chinese government during his Communist China and the Free World's Future speech. He also criticized Xi Jinping as a believer in a "bankrupt totalitarian ideology".
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.
August 25, 2020: Pompeo records speech at Republican National Convention during diplomatic visit
On August 25, 2020, Pompeo recorded a speech in Jerusalem during an official diplomatic visit for the Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump, breaking precedent.
September 2020: Accusation of Chinese Government Fomenting Racial Unrest
In September 2020, Pompeo accused the Chinese government of trying to foment racial unrest in the United States during an address to state lawmakers in Wisconsin.
September 2020: Sanctions Against International Criminal Court Officials
In September 2020, Pompeo enacted sanctions against the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor and other officials, continuing a non-cooperative policy towards the court.
September 2020: Resumption of Madison Dinners
In September 2020, Pompeo resumed the controversial "Madison dinners" at the Blair House, despite concerns about public health and ethics.
November 10, 2020: Pompeo predicts smooth transition to a second Trump administration
On November 10, 2020, after Joe Biden won the 2020 United States presidential election, Pompeo stated that there would be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.
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: Supported Trump's efforts to overturn election
In 2020, Mike Pompeo was among the staunchest Trump loyalists in the Cabinet and routinely flouted State Department norms in aid of Trump's objectives, including supporting Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
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.
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.
August 2021: Pompeo distances himself from Afghanistan post-withdrawal
In August 2021, Pompeo distanced himself and the Trump administration from the situation in Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, after having previously supported the Biden administration's extension of the withdrawal timeline.
November 2021: Office of Special Counsel releases report concluding Pompeo violated Hatch Act
In November 2021, the Office of the Special Counsel released a report concluding that Pompeo violated the Hatch Act by giving a speech at the Republican National Convention.
2021: CREW FOIA Lawsuit Reveals Dinner Costs
In 2021, records obtained via a FOIA lawsuit by CREW revealed that the 'Madison dinners' had cost almost $65,000, including over $10,000 for custom-engraved pens.
February 2022: Praise for Putin and CPAC Speech on Russia and China
In February 2022, before Russia invaded Ukraine, Pompeo gave an interview praising Vladimir Putin. After the invasion, during a speech at CPAC, he called Putin a "dictator" but stated that China was a greater threat than Russia.
March 4, 2022: Pompeo calls for U.S. recognition of Republic of China
On March 4, 2022, Pompeo delivered a speech to the Prospect Foundation in Taiwan, calling on the United States to recognize the Republic of China as an independent and sovereign country. He was reportedly paid $150,000 for the speech.
2022: Lawsuit filed against Pompeo alleging illegal surveillance of Assange
In 2022 a lawsuit was filed against Pompeo and other defendants alleging that they illegally placed Assange and his guests under surveillance.
2023: Comments on Israel and Palestinian Territories
In 2023, during a podcast interview, Pompeo asserted Israel's biblical claim to the Palestinian territories, denying the situation could be defined as an occupation. He also called Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas a "known terrorist."
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.
2024: Publication of Never Give an Inch
In 2024, Pompeo's book "Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love" was viewed as an effort to promote his presidential candidacy, where he repeated controversial opinions.
