Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Mike Pompeo

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Mike Pompeo.

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

2009: Signed No Climate Tax pledge

In 2009, Pompeo signed the No Climate Tax pledge of Americans for Prosperity.

May 31, 2011: Voted to eliminate funding for UN Population Fund

On May 31, 2011, Pompeo voted for H.R.2059 which eliminated funding for the United Nations Population Fund.

2012: Called for elimination of wind power 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: Criticized Guantanamo Bay prisoners

After visiting the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in 2013, Pompeo commented on the prisoners who were on hunger strike, stating, "It looked to me like a lot of them had put on weight."

2013: Remarks on Muslim leaders and terrorism

In a 2013 speech, Pompeo stated that Muslim leaders who do not denounce acts of terrorism are "potentially complicit" in the attacks, leading to criticism from the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

2013: Supported US federal government shutdown

Pompeo supported the United States federal government shutdown of 2013, blaming President Obama and claiming it was necessary to avoid a future financial collapse.

2013: Stated varied opinions on climate change

Speaking about climate change in 2013, Pompeo expressed skepticism, stating there are scientists with different opinions on climate change, including some who believe the climate has been stable for the last 16 years.

March 2014: Denounced Edward Snowden's Telecast

In March 2014, Pompeo denounced the inclusion of a telecast by Edward Snowden at the South by Southwest conference, asking for it to be cancelled.

2014: Russia Annexes Crimea

In 2014, Pompeo made reference to Russia's annexation of Crimea and its relation to President's recognition of the Golan Heights. The U.S. sanctioned Russia for annexing Crimea

July 21, 2015: Alleged secret side agreements between Iran and IAEA

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) on procedures for inspection and verification of Iran's nuclear activities under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

2015: Opposed greenhouse gas regulations and Clean Power Plan

In 2015, Pompeo opposed the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions and supported eliminating the United States federal register of greenhouse gas emissions. He also voted against the Clean Power Plan.

February 2016: Called for Snowden's Death Sentence

In February 2016, Pompeo said that Edward Snowden "should be brought back from Russia and given due process, and I think the proper outcome would be that he would be given a death sentence."

2016: Mention of 2016 election

In public testimony on November 20, 2019, ambassador Gordon Sondland stated that Rudy Giuliani specifically mentioned the 2016 election as an important topic to President Trump.

2016: Pompeo on Ukraine hacking of DNC emails in 2016

On November 26, 2019, Pompeo responded to a reporter question regarding the theory that Ukraine, and not Russia, hacked the DNC emails in 2016. Pompeo responded that any information that indicates any country has messed with American elections should be chased down.

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 Vault 7 Publication

In March 2017, WikiLeaks began publishing the Vault 7 documents, which detailed the CIA's electronic surveillance and cyber warfare activities.

April 2017: Called WikiLeaks a non-state hostile intelligence service

In April 2017, 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 13 April 2017, in an address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Mike Pompeo described WikiLeaks as a "hostile intelligence service," in response to the publication of Vault 7.

August 2017: Took Direct Command of Counterintelligence Mission Center

In August 2017, Mike Pompeo took direct command of the Counterintelligence Mission Center, raising concerns among former CIA officials.

September 2017: Sought authority for CIA to make 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: Worked to undermine Iran nuclear deal

In 2017, Pompeo worked to undermine the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action nuclear deal with Iran, stating he looked forward to rolling back "this disastrous deal."

September 2018: Backed US military support for Saudi Arabia in Yemen war

In September 2018, Pompeo backed continued U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen over staff objections, potentially jeopardizing $2 billion in weapons sales to Gulf allies.

November 2018: Blamed Iran for Yemen crisis

In November 2018, Pompeo blamed Iran for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen, while praising Saudi Arabia's humanitarian relief efforts.

November 16, 2018: CIA Assessment Leak on Jamal Khashoggi's Assassination

On November 16, 2018, a CIA assessment was leaked to the media, concluding with high confidence that Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered the October 2, 2018 assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. Pompeo disputed the CIA's conclusion, stating there was no direct evidence linking the Crown Prince to the assassination, despite pressure from lawmakers for action against Saudi Arabia.

March 2019: Pompeo's communications with Giuliani

In late March 2019, Pompeo and Rudy Giuliani exchanged emails and phone calls before Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch was recalled from Ukraine. Giuliani later admitted he spoke to Pompeo in late March 2019 to relay information gathered during his Ukrainian research and then provided him memos of his interviews of two former Ukrainian prosecutors.

May 2019: Opposed climate change mentions in Arctic Council statement

In May 2019, Pompeo acted against environmental protection at the Arctic Council. He refused to sign a joint statement addressing Arctic protection unless all mentions of climate change were removed, suggesting climate change was beneficial for the region.

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.

July 25, 2019: Trump's Call with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

On July 25, 2019, President Trump had a controversial call with Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which Trump solicited assistance in investigating the son of former vice president and presidential candidate Joe Biden. Pompeo initially claimed limited knowledge of the call but was later confirmed to have been on the call himself.

October 1, 2019: House Chairmen Respond to Pompeo's Subpoena Stance

On October 1, 2019, the chairmen of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, the House Intelligence Committee, and the House Oversight Committee stated that any effort to intimidate witnesses or prevent them from talking with Congress, including State Department employees, is illegal and will constitute evidence of obstruction of the impeachment inquiry, after Pompeo informed them that their subpoenas for documents regarding Trump's communications with the government of Ukraine were an attempt to intimidate State Department professionals.

October 2019: Pompeo's Speech on Christian Leadership and Criticism

In October 2019, the State Department promoted a speech by Pompeo titled "On Being a Christian Leader," delivered to the American Association of Christian Counselors in his official government role. Pompeo's promotion of Christianity in his government work faced criticism for potentially violating the separation of church and state. He also created the Commission on Unalienable Rights and a faith-based employee affinity group.

October 22, 2019: William B. Taylor Jr.'s Testimony on Ukraine Aid and Shadow Foreign Policy

On October 22, 2019, William B. Taylor Jr., acting ambassador to Ukraine, testified that the White House was withholding military aid to Ukraine to force cooperation on U.S. domestic political issues. Rudy Giuliani was running a shadow foreign policy effort, and Pompeo failed to respond directly to complaints about the "effort to hijack" the U.S. relationship with Ukraine.

October 23, 2019: FOIA Request for Ukraine-related Records

On October 23, 2019, a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request led to a federal judge ordering the State Department to release Ukraine-related records, including communications between Pompeo and Rudy Giuliani.

November 2019: U.S. No Longer Views Israeli Settlements as Violation of International Law

In November 2019, Pompeo stated that the U.S. no longer views Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank as a violation of international law, reversing decades of U.S. policy.

November 20, 2019: Sondland Testimony on Ukraine

On November 20, 2019, Gordon Sondland testified that Rick Perry, Kurt Volker, and himself kept in touch with Rudy Giuliani about President Trump's desire for Ukraine to investigate corruption, including the 2016 election and Burisma. Sondland also stated that the NSC and State Department leadership, including Pompeo, were kept informed, and that as late as September 24, Pompeo was telling Volker to talk with Giuliani.

November 26, 2019: Pompeo's statement on Ukrainian interference in 2016 election

On November 26, 2019, Pompeo appeared to grant legitimacy to a debunked conspiracy theory that Ukraine, rather than or in addition to Russia, was behind interference in the 2016 United States elections. He stated that the U.S. has a duty to investigate any information indicating that a country has interfered with American elections.

2019: Pompeo Defends Turkish Offensive into North-eastern Syria

In 2019, Pompeo defended the Turkish offensive into north-eastern Syria, citing Turkey's "legitimate security concern" regarding a "terrorist threat to their south." Pompeo denied that the United States had given a "green light" for Turkey to attack the Kurds.

January 2020: Pompeo Abruptly Ends Interview with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly

In January 2020, Pompeo abruptly ended an interview with Mary Louise Kelly of NPR's All Things Considered after being questioned about Ukraine, and subsequently admonished her privately for asking those questions.

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 that the attack was ordered to disrupt an "imminent attack" by Soleimani operatives. Pompeo was among the most hawkish advisors within the administration during the meeting in which Trump decided to assassinate Soleimani.

March 5, 2020: ICC Decision to Approve Investigation into US Crimes in Afghanistan

On March 5, 2020, the ICC approved an investigation into alleged US crimes in Afghanistan, aiming to provide justice for victims. However, conditions were imposed, including visa restrictions at Mike Pompeo's instruction from the Department of State.

March 17, 2020: Pompeo Threatens ICC Staff Members Investigating Americans

On March 17, 2020, Pompeo threatened two staff members of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Phakiso Mochochoko and ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, for their efforts to investigate Americans. Pompeo claimed they were putting Americans at risk and threatened action against them, other ICC personnel, and their families.

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.

May 2020: Trump Fired Steve Linick, the State Department Inspector General

In May 2020, Trump fired the State Department inspector general, Steve Linick, after it became known that Linick had begun an investigation into ethics violations by Pompeo and his wife, based on allegations by whistle-blowers.

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: 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.

September 2020: Pompeo Resumes Madison Dinners Amid Controversy

In September 2020, Pompeo resumed the taxpayer-funded "Madison dinners" at the Blair House, despite controversy and public health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These dinners, intended for elite attendees, raised concerns about cultivating supporters for Pompeo's future political ambitions.

September 2020: Enacted sanctions against ICC officials

Pompeo enacted sanctions against the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor and other officials in September 2020, continuing a non-cooperative policy towards the court.

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.

2020: Pompeo Declined to Offer U.S. Consular Protection to Hong Kong Democracy Activist 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. Internal State Department discussions concluded that protecting Wong could risk retaliation from Beijing and compromise broader U.S. interests in the region.

2020: Supported Efforts to Overturn 2020 Election

In 2020, as Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo supported Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

January 19, 2021: Pompeo announces genocide by China against Uyghurs

On January 19, 2021, Pompeo announced that the Department of State had determined that China was committing "genocide and crimes against humanity" against the Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.

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.

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."

February 2022: Praised Putin, then called him a dictator

In February 2022, right before Russia invaded Ukraine, Pompeo praised Vladimir Putin in an interview aired on Russian state television. Later that month, during a speech at CPAC, Pompeo called Putin a "dictator".

March 4, 2022: Pompeo calls for US recognition of Taiwan in speech

On March 4, 2022, Pompeo delivered a speech paid for by the Taiwanese government-affiliated think tank Prospect Foundation. In his speech, Pompeo called on the United States to recognize the Republic of China as an independent and sovereign country.

2022: Lawsuit over Assange surveillance

In 2022, a lawsuit was filed against Pompeo and others alleging the illegal surveillance of Assange and his guests.

2023: Remarks on Israel, Palestine, and Mahmoud Abbas

In 2023, Pompeo claimed Israel had a biblical claim to Palestinian territories, thus not defining the situation as an occupation, and also called Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas a "known terrorist".

2024: Pompeo's Book and Presidential Aspirations

In 2024, Pompeo's book, Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love, promoted his presumed candidacy in the 2024 Republican presidential primary and reiterated his view that the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi was of little international consequence, denigrating Khashoggi as an "activist" cozy with the Muslim Brotherhood.