Childhood and Education Journey of Mike Pompeo in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Mike Pompeo. A timeline of key moments.

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.

Sections (5)

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

1900: Pompeo's great-grandmother emigrated to the United States

In 1900, Adelina Tollis, Mike Pompeo's paternal great-grandmother who was born in Pacentro, Abruzzo, Italy, emigrated to the United States.

December 30, 1963: Mike Pompeo Born

On December 30, 1963, Michael Richard Pompeo was born. He later became the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and the United States secretary of state under the Trump administration.

1982: Graduation from Los Amigos High School

In 1982, Mike Pompeo graduated from Los Amigos High School in Fountain Valley, California, where he played forward on the basketball team.

1986: Graduation from United States Military Academy

In 1986, Mike Pompeo graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he majored in engineering management.

1986: Married Leslie Libert

Pompeo married Leslie Libert in 1986; they later divorced.

1994: Earned Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School

In 1994, Mike Pompeo earned a juris doctor from Harvard Law School, where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review and the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy.

1996: Acquired Aircraft Parts Manufacturers

In 1996, Mike Pompeo and three West Point friends acquired three aircraft-parts manufacturers in Wichita, Kansas, and St. Louis, renaming the entity Thayer Aerospace.

1998: Entrepreneur in aerospace and oilfield industries

In 1998, Mike Pompeo became an entrepreneur in the aerospace and oilfield industries.

2000: Married Susan Justice Mostrous

In 2000, Pompeo married Susan Justice Mostrous and formally adopted her son, Nicholas.

2006: Sold Interest in Nex-Tech Aerospace

In 2006, Mike Pompeo sold his interest in Nex-Tech Aerospace and became president of Sentry International, an oilfield equipment manufacturer.

2007: Served as church deacon

From 2007 to 2009, Pompeo served as a local church deacon.

2009: Taught Sunday school

From 2007 to 2009, Pompeo taught Sunday school.

2010: Elected to the United States House of Representatives

In 2010, Mike Pompeo was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing Kansas's 4th congressional district.

2010: Won Republican primary for Kansas's 4th District congressional seat

In 2010, Mike Pompeo won the Republican primary for Kansas's 4th District congressional seat with 39% of the vote, defeating state senator Jean Schodorf and two other candidates, and later won the general election against Democratic nominee Raj Goyle.

2014: Stated belief in Jesus Christ as the only solution

In 2014, Pompeo told a church group that Christians needed to "know that Jesus Christ as our savior is truly the only solution for our world".

2015: Mentioned 'the Rapture' in talk about politics

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

2016: Shift to Supporter

In 2016, Mike Pompeo shifted from being a critic of Donald Trump to a supporter after Trump became the Republican nominee in the presidential election.

January 2022: Claimed significant weight loss

In an interview with Fox News in January 2022, Pompeo claimed to have lost over 90 lb in the prior six months through exercise and dietary changes, a claim which was met with skepticism.

August 2022: Pompeo target of Iranian assassination plot

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

February 2025: Pompeo hired by Columbia University as distinguished fellow

In February 2025, Pompeo was hired by Columbia University as a distinguished fellow at its Institute of Global Politics to teach a course on diplomacy, decision-making, and organizational leadership.