History of Mike Pompeo in Timeline
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.
1900: Pompeo's great-grandparent emigrated to the US
In 1900, Adelina Tollis, Mike Pompeo's paternal great-grandmother, emigrated from Italy to the United States.
December 30, 1963: Mike Pompeo's Birth
On December 30, 1963, Michael Richard Pompeo was born.
1982: Graduated from Los Amigos High School
In 1982, Mike Pompeo graduated from Los Amigos High School in Fountain Valley, California.
1986: Served in the U.S. Army
From 1986, Mike Pompeo served in the U.S. Army as an armor officer with the West Germany-based 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry in the 4th Infantry Division.
1986: Graduated from West Point
In 1986, Mike Pompeo graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point.
1986: Graduation from U.S. Military Academy
In 1986, Mike Pompeo graduated from the United States Military Academy and began his five-year service in the United States Army.
1986: Marriage to Leslie Libert
In 1986, Pompeo married Leslie Libert; they later divorced.
1991: Left the U.S. Army
In 1991, Mike Pompeo left the U.S. Army at the rank of captain.
1994: Earned Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School
In 1994, Mike Pompeo earned a juris doctor from Harvard Law School.
1996: Moved to Wichita and Acquired Aircraft-Parts Manufacturers
In 1996, Mike Pompeo moved to Wichita, Kansas, and with friends, acquired three aircraft-parts manufacturers, renaming the entity Thayer Aerospace.
1998: Became an entrepreneur
In 1998, Mike Pompeo transitioned from working as an attorney to becoming an entrepreneur in the aerospace and oilfield industries.
2000: Marriage to Susan Justice Mostrous and Adoption of Son
In 2000, Pompeo married Susan Justice Mostrous and formally adopted her son, Nicholas.
2006: Sold Interest in Nex-Tech Aerospace and Became President of Sentry International
In 2006, Mike Pompeo sold his interest in Nex-Tech Aerospace and became president of Sentry International.
2007: Service as Local Church Deacon
From 2007 to 2009, Pompeo served as a local church deacon and taught Sunday school.
2009: End of Service as Local Church Deacon
From 2007 to 2009, Pompeo served as a local church deacon and taught Sunday school.
2009: Signing of No Climate Tax Pledge
In 2009, Pompeo signed the No Climate Tax pledge of Americans for Prosperity.
2010: Elected to the 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 and General Election
In 2010, Mike Pompeo won the Republican primary for Kansas's 4th District congressional seat and defeated Democratic nominee Raj Goyle in the general election.
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.
2011: Represented Kansas's 4th congressional district
From 2011, Mike Pompeo represented Kansas's 4th congressional district.
2011: Elected to the House of Representatives
In 2011, Mike Pompeo began serving in the United States House of Representatives for Kansas's 4th congressional district.
2012: Defeated Robert Tillman in election
In 2012, Mike Pompeo defeated Democratic nominee Robert Tillman by a margin of 62–32%.
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: Won general election
In 2014, Mike Pompeo won the general election with 67% of the vote, defeating Democrat Perry Schuckman.
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."
2014: Comments on Christianity 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".
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.
November 2015: Visit to Israel and Support for Netanyahu
In November 2015, Pompeo visited Israel and expressed his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him "a true partner of the American people."
2015: Advocated withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal
In 2015, Mike Pompeo advocated for the United States to withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
2015: Sponsored Food Labeling Act
In 2015, Mike Pompeo was original sponsor of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015.
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.
2015: Comments on Politics and the Rapture
In 2015, during a talk at a church, Pompeo stated that "politics is a never-ending struggle ... until the Rapture."
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.
November 18, 2016: Nomination as CIA Director Announced
On November 18, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced that he would nominate Mike Pompeo to be the director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
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: Democratic senators in Trump states
In 2016, Five of ten Democratic senators running for reelection in 2018 in states that Trump won in 2016, voting to confirm Pompeo.
2016: Won general election
In 2016, Mike Pompeo beat Democrat Daniel B. Giroux in the general election with 61% of the vote.
2016: Shift in Support for Donald Trump
In 2016, Mike Pompeo, who was previously critical of Donald Trump, shifted to becoming a supporter after Trump became the Republican nominee.
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.
2016: Met with William E. Binney
In 2016, at Trump's request, Mike Pompeo met with former NSA official William E. Binney to discuss his doubts of Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections.
2016: 2016 United States Elections
On November 26, 2019, Pompeo commented on theories surrounding interference in the 2016 United States elections.
January 2017: Appointment as CIA Director
In January 2017, Donald Trump appointed Mike Pompeo as the Director of the CIA.
January 2017: Reaffirmation of Saudi Arabia-United States relations
In January 2017, Pompeo's travel to Saudi Arabia reaffirmed Saudi Arabia–United States relations since Trump took office.
January 23, 2017: Confirmed as CIA Director
On January 23, 2017, Mike Pompeo was confirmed by the Senate as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
February 2017: Traveled to Turkey and Saudi Arabia
In February 2017, Mike Pompeo traveled to Turkey and Saudi Arabia and met with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss policy on Syria and ISIL. Pompeo honored the then-crown prince of Saudi Arabia Muhammad bin Nayef with the CIA's "George Tenet" Medal.
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.
June 2017: Named Michael D'Andrea Head of CIA's Iran Mission Center
In June 2017, Mike Pompeo named Michael D'Andrea head of the CIA's Iran mission center.
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."
August 2017: Took direct command of Counterintelligence Mission Center
In August 2017, Mike Pompeo took direct command of the Counterintelligence Mission Center.
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: Director of the CIA
In 2017, Mike Pompeo became the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
2017: End of term in House of Representatives
In 2017, Mike Pompeo's service in the United States House of Representatives came to an end.
2017: Support for Moving US Embassy to Jerusalem
In 2017, Pompeo supported Trump's decision to move America's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
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".
2017: Named Brian Bulatao as CIA COO
In 2017, after becoming head of the CIA, Mike Pompeo named his former business partner, Brian Bulatao, as the agency's chief operating officer.
March 13, 2018: Nominated for Secretary of State
On March 13, 2018, President Trump announced that he would nominate Mike Pompeo to serve as secretary of state.
March 31, 2018: Rex Tillerson Stepped Down
On March 31, 2018, Rex Tillerson stepped down as Secretary of State.
April 2018: First Madison Dinner
Beginning in April 2018, Pompeo hosted taxpayer-funded "Madison dinners" at the State Department's headquarters, raising ethical concerns.
April 2018: Appointment as Secretary of State
In April 2018, Donald Trump appointed Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State.
April 26, 2018: Sworn in as Secretary of State
On April 26, 2018, Mike Pompeo was sworn in as Secretary of State.
July 2018: Raised issue of Xinjiang internment camps
In July 2018, Mike Pompeo raised the issue of Xinjiang internment camps and human rights abuses against the Uyghur minority in China.
August 2018: Thanked Saudi Arabia for support
In August 2018, Mike Pompeo thanked Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman "for Saudi Arabia's support for northeast Syria's urgent stabilization needs". Pompeo and Crown Prince also discussed the situation in war-torn Yemen.
August 2018: Call for Release of Oleg Sentsov
In August 2018, Pompeo called on Russia to "immediately release" jailed Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov.
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.
October 2, 2018: Jamal Khashoggi Assassination
On October 2, 2018, Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered the assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.
October 10, 2018: Commented on Israel-United States Relations
On October 10, 2018, Mike Pompeo said Israel "is everything we want the entire Middle East to look like going forward" and that the Israel–United States relations are "stronger than ever".
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.
2018: Visited North Korea and met with Kim Jong-un
During Easter weekend 2018, Mike Pompeo visited North Korea and met with Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un to discuss the upcoming 2018 North Korea–United States summit between Kim and Trump.
2018: Secretary of State
In 2018, Mike Pompeo became the 70th United States Secretary of State.
2018: Confirmed by the Senate
In 2018, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 11–9 in favor of sending Mike Pompeo's nomination to the full Senate.
January 7, 2019: Diplomatic Tour of the Middle East
On January 7, 2019, Pompeo commenced a diplomatic tour of the Middle East to reassure U.S. partners after the withdrawal of troops from Syria that the U.S. mission to defeat ISIS and counter Iranian influence remained unchanged. The tour included visits to Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and Gulf nations.
January 23, 2019: Recognition of Juan Guaidó as Interim President of Venezuela
On January 23, 2019, Pompeo announced the U.S. recognition of Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela, and that American diplomats would remain in Caracas. A ceremony hosted by the Brazilian-American Chamber of Commerce to honor Pompeo and Bolsonaro was canceled after protests.
March 2019: Spoke about Israel's conflicts with Iran
In March 2019, when questioned regarding Israel's conflicts with Iran and following a visit to the Western Wall with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Pompeo spoke to "the work that our administration's done to make sure that this democracy in the Middle East, that this Jewish state, remains ... I am confident that the Lord is at work here."
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 14, 2019: Meeting with Russian Officials in Sochi
On May 14, 2019, Pompeo met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. Discussions included Syria, North Korea, Iran, Venezuela, and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, with Pompeo raising concerns about Russian election interference.
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 13, 2020: Pompeo visits Israel during coronavirus pandemic
On May 13, 2020, Pompeo made a swift visit to Israel, marking his first trip overseas since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
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.
June 2020: Decision Not to Run for Senate
In June 2020, Pompeo ultimately declined to enter the race for the U.S. Senate seat in Kansas, after considering leaving the Trump administration.
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: Afghan government releases Taliban prisoners after Pompeo's urging
By August 2020, the Afghan government had released all but 400 of 5,000 imprisoned Taliban members, in response to an agreement Pompeo touted. Pompeo urged the Afghan government to release the remaining prisoners to remove "the last obstacle to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations".
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.
August 27, 2020: Middle East Trip to Encourage Normalization with Israel
On August 27, 2020, Pompeo concluded a Middle East trip, after visiting Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said, aimed at encouraging Arab countries to follow the UAE's normalization with Israel.
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.
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".
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.
2020: Reactions to Pompeo's China Policy Speech
In 2020, following Pompeo's speech about ending "blind engagement" with China, Daniel Russel argued it would bolster support for Xi Jinping, while Michael Hirson noted that Chinese policymakers were unlikely to change their relationship with the U.S. with the presidential election nearing.
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.
January 2021: Pompeo joins Hudson Institute as a distinguished fellow
In January 2021, Pompeo joined the Hudson Institute as a distinguished fellow.
January 19, 2021: Pompeo announces genocide in China against Uyghur Muslims
On January 19, 2021, Pompeo announced that the Department of State had determined that China was perpetrating "genocide and crimes against humanity" against the Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.
February 2021: Pompeo founds Champion American Values PAC (CAVPAC)
In February 2021, Pompeo founded the Champion American Values PAC (CAVPAC).
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: 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.
2021: End of term as Secretary of State
In 2021, Mike Pompeo finished his term as the 70th United States Secretary of State.
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.
January 2022: Claim of Significant Weight Loss
In January 2022, Pompeo claimed to have lost over 90 lb in the prior six months through exercise and dietary changes, though experts and media outlets expressed skepticism.
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.
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.
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.
January 2023: Pompeo's memoir published
In January 2023, HarperCollins published Pompeo's memoir, Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love.
April 2023: Pompeo announces decision not to run for president in 2024
In April 2023, Pompeo announced his decision not to run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
October 2023: Pompeo joins Oberheiden, P.C. law firm
In October 2023, Pompeo became Of counsel for Texas-based law firm Oberheiden, P.C., a federal criminal defense law firm, joining former US Congressman Trey Gowdy and former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe.
2023: Pompeo featured in documentary Route 60: The Biblical Highway
In 2023, Pompeo featured in the documentary Route 60: The Biblical Highway, directed by Matt Crouch, alongside David M. Friedman.
2023: Pompeo joins board of directors of Cyabra
In 2023, Pompeo joined the board of directors of Cyabra, an Israeli counter-disinformation company.
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.
May 2024: Visit to Taiwan for President Lai's Inauguration and Support for Recognition
In May 2024, Pompeo returned to Taiwan as part of the American delegation to the inauguration of President William Lai, reiterating his support for official U.S. recognition of the country.
2024: Trump Declares Pompeo will not be in his administration
After Trump's victory in the 2024 election, Trump declared that Mike Pompeo would not be back in his next administration.
2024: Pompeo would not be appointed to positions in Trump's next administration
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.
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.
2024: Pompeo considered a candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination
Pompeo considered a candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination but ultimately announced his decision not to run in April 2023.
January 22, 2025: President Trump revokes Pompeo's security detail
On January 22, 2025, President Trump revoked Pompeo's security detail.
