History of Mike Pompeo in Timeline
"Michael Richard Pompeo is a prominent American politician who held significant positions within the Trump administration. Serving as the 70th United States Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021, he previously directed the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2017 to 2018. Prior to his executive roles, Pompeo represented Kansas in the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017."
1900: Emigration of Adelina Tollis to the US
Mike Pompeo's paternal great-grandmother, Adelina Tollis, emigrated from Pacentro, Abruzzo, Italy to the United States in 1900.
December 30, 1963: Birth of Mike Pompeo
Mike Pompeo was born on December 30, 1963.
1982: High School Graduation
Mike Pompeo graduated from Los Amigos High School in Fountain Valley, California in 1982.
1986: Graduation and Career Beginnings
In 1986, Mike Pompeo graduated from the United States Military Academy and began his service as a United States Army officer.
1986: Start of Army Service
Mike Pompeo began serving in the U.S. Army as an armor officer in 1986.
1986: Graduation from West Point
Mike Pompeo graduated first in his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986, where he majored in engineering management.
1991: End of Army Service
Mike Pompeo left the U.S. Army at the rank of captain in 1991.
1994: Graduation from Harvard Law School
Mike Pompeo earned a Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1994, where he served as editor of the Harvard Law Review and the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy.
1996: Move to Kansas and Founding of Thayer Aerospace
Mike Pompeo moved to Wichita, Kansas in 1996 and, along with three friends, acquired three aircraft-parts manufacturers, renaming the entity Thayer Aerospace.
1998: Transition to Entrepreneurship
After working as an attorney, Mike Pompeo transitioned to become an entrepreneur in the aerospace and oilfield industries in 1998.
2006: Sale of Thayer Aerospace and Transition to Sentry International
In 2006, Mike Pompeo sold his interest in Thayer Aerospace, which had been renamed Nex-Tech Aerospace. He then became president of Sentry International, an oilfield equipment manufacturer.
2009: Signing the No Climate Tax Pledge
In 2009, Mike Pompeo aligned himself with the conservative view on climate change by signing the "No Climate Tax" pledge put forth by Americans for Prosperity. This pledge committed him to opposing any legislation that would impose taxes on carbon emissions or other measures aimed at addressing climate change.
2010: Winning the Republican Primary and General Election
In 2010, Mike Pompeo won the Republican primary for Kansas's 4th District congressional seat. He went on to win the general election against Democrat Raj Goyle.
2010: Election to the United States House of Representatives
Mike Pompeo was elected to represent Kansas's 4th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives in 2010.
May 31, 2011: Voting for Restrictions on Abortion Funding
On May 31, 2011, Mike Pompeo cast his vote in support of H.R.2059, a bill that aimed to eliminate funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). This vote aligned with his stance on reproductive rights and his opposition to organizations that provide abortion services or counseling.
2011: Start of Term in Congress
Mike Pompeo began representing Kansas's 4th congressional district in 2011.
2012: Opposition to Wind Power Tax Credits
In 2012, Mike Pompeo intensified his opposition to renewable energy policies by calling for the permanent removal of tax credits for wind power production. He labeled these credits as an "enormous government handout," reflecting his stance against government support for renewable energy development.
2012: Re-election to Congress
In the 2012 election, Mike Pompeo was re-elected to Congress, defeating Democratic nominee Robert Tillman.
2013: Skepticism About Climate Change
In 2013, Mike Pompeo publicly expressed his skepticism regarding the science of climate change. He stated that there were differing opinions among scientists on the issue, suggesting that some believed in warming, others in cooling, and still others who viewed the climate as stable. He argued that federal policy should prioritize American families rather than what he termed a "radical environmental agenda.
2013: Support for the 2013 Government Shutdown
Mike Pompeo was a vocal supporter of the 2013 U.S. federal government shutdown, attributing the blame for the shutdown to then-President Barack Obama. He argued that the shutdown was a necessary measure to prevent a future "American financial collapse." This position highlighted his fiscal conservatism and willingness to engage in partisan political battles.
2014: Pompeo's Speech to Church Group
In 2014, Mike Pompeo addressed a church group, emphasizing the importance of Christianity by stating that "Jesus Christ as our savior is truly the only solution for our world."
2014
In 2014, when asked about a potential double standard in recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights, while sanctioning Russia for its annexation of Crimea, Pompeo defended the US position. He stated that recognizing the Golan Heights annexation acknowledged the reality on the ground and the security situation necessary for Israel's protection.
2014: Re-election to Congress
Mike Pompeo won the general election for Kansas's 4th congressional district in 2014, defeating Democrat Perry Schuckman.
2015: Pompeo's Talk at a Church
During a talk at a church in 2015, Mike Pompeo shared his perspective on the relationship between politics and faith, suggesting that "politics is a never-ending struggle ... until the Rapture."
2015: Opposition to Greenhouse Gas Regulations
In 2015, Mike Pompeo took a firm stance against the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions by the United States. He supported the elimination of the federal register that tracked these emissions. As a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, he voted in favor of resolutions seeking to overturn the Clean Power Plan implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency during the Obama administration.
2015: Sponsorship of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act
Mike Pompeo was the original sponsor of the Safe and Accurate Food Labeling Act of 2015.
November 18, 2016: Nomination as CIA Director
On November 18, 2016, Donald Trump announced his decision to nominate Mike Pompeo as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
2016: 2016 United States elections
On November 26, 2019, Pompeo was asked about investigating whether Ukraine interfered in the 2016 United States elections, to which he responded that any claims of foreign interference should be thoroughly investigated.
2016: 2016 United States elections
The 2016 United States elections were mentioned by Gordon Sondland as a topic of importance to President Trump in relation to a public statement expected from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy regarding the investigation of corruption issues.
2016: Re-election to Congress
Mike Pompeo won re-election to Congress in 2016, defeating Democrat Daniel B. Giroux in the general election.
2016: Pompeo Confirmed as Secretary of State
In 2016, the U.S. Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo as Secretary of State by a vote of 57-42. Notably, five out of ten Democratic senators facing re-election in 2018 in states won by Trump in 2016 supported Pompeo's confirmation.
2016: Pompeo Meets with William Binney to Discuss Russian Interference
In 2016, at the request of President Trump, then-Congressman Mike Pompeo met with former National Security Agency (NSA) official William Binney. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss Binney's skepticism regarding Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections.
2016: Shift in Political Support
Initially a critic of Donald Trump, Mike Pompeo became one of his staunchest supporters after Trump became the Republican nominee in the 2016 presidential election.
January 2017: Appointment as Director of the CIA
Mike Pompeo was appointed as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) by Donald Trump in January 2017.
January 2017: End of Term in Congress
Mike Pompeo's term representing Kansas's 4th congressional district ended in January 2017 upon his appointment as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency.
January 23, 2017: Confirmation as CIA Director
Mike Pompeo was confirmed as Director of the CIA by the Senate on January 23, 2017.
February 2017: Travels to Turkey and Saudi Arabia
Mike Pompeo traveled to Turkey and Saudi Arabia in February 2017, meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and honoring Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef with the CIA's "George Tenet" Medal.
March 2017: Invocation of State Secrets Privilege
Mike Pompeo formally invoked state secrets privilege in March 2017 to prevent CIA officers from testifying in a trial.
June 2017: Appointment of Michael D'Andrea
In June 2017, Mike Pompeo appointed Michael D'Andrea as head of the CIA's Iran mission center.
July 2017: Desire for Regime Change in North Korea
In July 2017, reports surfaced indicating that Mike Pompeo had expressed a desire for regime change in North Korea. He publicly stated his concerns about the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, and the dangers posed by North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
August 2017: Pompeo Takes Command of Counterintelligence Mission Center
In August 2017, Mike Pompeo assumed leadership of the CIA's Counterintelligence Mission Center, the unit tasked with investigating potential ties between Trump associates and Russia. This move raised concerns among some former CIA officials due to Pompeo's close relationship with the White House and President Trump.
September 2017: Pompeo Seeks Authority for Covert Drone Strikes
In September 2017, CIA Director Pompeo sought authorization for the agency to conduct covert drone strikes without requiring Pentagon approval, including operations within Afghanistan.
2017: Appointment of Brian Bulatao as CIA COO
When Mike Pompeo became head of the CIA in 2017, he appointed his former business partner, Brian Bulatao, as the agency's chief operating officer.
2017: Undermining the Iran Nuclear Deal
In 2017, Mike Pompeo actively worked to undermine the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran Nuclear Deal. This deal, negotiated during the Obama administration, was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Pompeo criticized the deal, calling it "disastrous" and advocating for military action against Iran's nuclear facilities instead.
March 13, 2018: Trump Nominates Pompeo for Secretary of State
President Trump announced on March 13, 2018, his decision to nominate Mike Pompeo, then serving as CIA Director, for the position of Secretary of State. This nomination aimed to replace Rex Tillerson, who had resigned from the role.
March 31, 2018: Tillerson Steps Down as Secretary of State
Rex Tillerson's tenure as Secretary of State ended on March 31, 2018, marking the conclusion of his service in the Trump administration.
April 2018: Appointment as Secretary of State
In April 2018, Mike Pompeo was appointed as the 70th United States Secretary of State.
April 2018
Starting in April 2018, Pompeo hosted around two dozen taxpayer-funded "Madison dinners" at the State Department headquarters. These dinners, not listed on his public schedule, drew criticism for potentially serving as platforms to cultivate political support rather than focusing on foreign policy objectives.
April 26, 2018: Pompeo Sworn in as Secretary of State
Mike Pompeo was officially sworn in as the U.S. Secretary of State on April 26, 2018. During his Senate confirmation hearings, Pompeo pledged to prioritize addressing the issue of low morale within the State Department.
July 2018: Pompeo Condemns Myanmar's Crackdown, Raises Concerns About Xinjiang
In July 2018, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the Myanmar military and police's brutal crackdown on Rohingya Muslims. He also addressed the issue of internment camps in China's Xinjiang region and the human rights violations targeting the Uyghur minority population.
August 2018: Call for Release of Oleg Sentsov
In August 2018, Mike Pompeo issued a public call to Russia, demanding the "immediate release" of imprisoned Ukrainian filmmaker Oleg Sentsov. Sentsov, a vocal critic of Russia's annexation of Crimea, had been convicted on terrorism charges widely viewed as politically motivated.
August 2018: Pompeo Thanks Saudi Arabia for Support in Syria, Discusses Yemen Conflict
In August 2018, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia's backing of stabilization efforts in northeastern Syria. Pompeo and the Crown Prince also engaged in discussions about the ongoing war in Yemen.
September 2018: Support for Saudi Arabia's War in Yemen
In September 2018, Mike Pompeo supported continued U.S. military support for Saudi Arabia's war in Yemen, despite objections from staff members. This decision was reportedly influenced by concerns that cutting off support could jeopardize billions of dollars in weapons sales to Gulf allies.
October 2, 2018: Jamal Khashoggi Murdered in Istanbul
On October 2, 2018, Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. The brutal killing, allegedly orchestrated by Saudi agents, drew widespread condemnation and significantly strained relations between Saudi Arabia and the international community.
October 10, 2018: Pompeo Praises U.S.-Israel Relations
On October 10, 2018, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed strong support for Israel, stating that it represents what the U.S. envisions for the entire Middle East. He emphasized the strength of the relationship between the two nations.
November 2018: Blaming Iran for the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
In November 2018, Mike Pompeo placed blame on Iran for the humanitarian crisis in Yemen. He accused Iran of causing "death and destruction" while praising Saudi Arabia for providing humanitarian relief. This stance further highlighted his critical stance on Iran's involvement in regional affairs.
November 16, 2018: CIA Assessment on Khashoggi Killing Leaked
On November 16, 2018, a CIA assessment was leaked to the media. The assessment concluded with "high confidence" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the assassination of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi on October 2, 2018. This revelation sparked international outrage and put pressure on the Trump administration to hold Saudi Arabia accountable.
2018: Senate Committee Advances Pompeo's Nomination, Coons Votes "Present"
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 11-9 in 2018 to advance Mike Pompeo's nomination for Secretary of State to the full Senate. Notably, Senator Chris Coons chose to vote "present" instead of "yes" or "no." This decision stemmed from Senator Johnny Isakson's absence and the potential for a tied vote, which would have nullified Coons' vote. By voting "present," Coons ensured the nomination's progression.
2018: Pompeo Visits North Korea, Meets Kim Jong-un
During Easter weekend in 2018, Mike Pompeo, then CIA Director, made a secret trip to North Korea. There, he met with the nation's Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, to lay the groundwork for the upcoming summit between Kim and President Trump.
January 7, 2019: Pompeo Embarks on Middle East Tour to Reassure Allies
On January 7, 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo began a diplomatic tour of the Middle East. The primary objective of his trip was to reassure regional U.S. partners that the Trump administration's commitment to countering Iranian influence and combating the Islamic State remained steadfast, despite the announced withdrawal of U.S. troops from Syria. Pompeo's itinerary included visits to Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, and several Gulf nations.
January 23, 2019: U.S. Recognizes Guaidó as Interim President of Venezuela
On January 23, 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the United States' official recognition of Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela. This decision escalated tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who had ordered American diplomats to leave the country. Despite the expulsion order, Pompeo stated that U.S. diplomats would remain in Caracas.
March 2019: Pompeo and Giuliani Communication
In late March 2019, before the recall of Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch from Ukraine, Pompeo and Giuliani exchanged emails and phone calls, a fact later revealed by released State Department documents.
March 2019: Pompeo Visits Western Wall with Netanyahu, Affirms Support for Israel
During a visit to the Western Wall in March 2019 with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reiterated the United States' commitment to Israel's security. His visit and remarks came amidst heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.
April 2019: Pompeo's Controversial Speech at Texas A&M
In April 2019, during a speech at Texas A&M University, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made controversial remarks about his time as CIA Director. He stated, "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." These comments sparked criticism and raised concerns about the ethical implications of his statements.
May 14, 2019: Pompeo Meets with Lavrov and Putin in Sochi
On May 14, 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo held meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi, Russia. The discussions centered around a range of pressing geopolitical issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Syria and Venezuela, the nuclear threat from North Korea, the Iran nuclear deal, and the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START). Pompeo also confronted Putin about Russia's interference in the 2016 U.S. election, an allegation that Putin continued to deny.
May 2019: Blocking Climate Change Statements at the Arctic Council
In May 2019, Mike Pompeo, during his tenure as Secretary of State, took a controversial action at the Arctic Council, a forum for international cooperation on Arctic issues. He refused to endorse a joint statement emphasizing the need to protect the Arctic region from the effects of climate change unless all references to climate change were removed from the document.
May 2019: Emergency Arms Sale to Saudi Arabia and UAE
In May 2019, Pompeo declared an "emergency" to expedite $8.1 billion in arms sales to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, citing Iranian activities. This decision sparked congressional opposition due to concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.
July 25, 2019
Pompeo initially denied having detailed knowledge of a controversial July 25, 2019, phone call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a call in which Trump sought assistance investigating Joe Biden's son. However, it was later confirmed that Pompeo was indeed present during the call.
October 1, 2019
On October 1, 2019, Pompeo responded to document subpoenas issued by three House committees regarding Trump's communications with Ukraine by accusing the committees of attempting to intimidate and bully State Department professionals. The committee chairmen countered by stating that any attempts to intimidate witnesses or obstruct the impeachment inquiry were illegal.
October 2019: Pompeo's Speech on Faith Sparks Criticism
In October 2019, the State Department's website promoted a speech by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo titled "On Being a Christian Leader." This speech, delivered in his official capacity to the American Association of Christian Counselors, drew criticism for potentially violating the principle of separation of church and state. Critics argued that promoting a speech with such overt religious content blurred the lines between Pompeo's personal beliefs and his role as a government official.
October 22, 2019
On October 22, 2019, acting ambassador to Ukraine, William B. Taylor Jr., testified before Congress. He alleged that the White House was withholding military aid from Ukraine to pressure the country into assisting with US domestic political matters. He further claimed that Rudy Giuliani was leading a shadow foreign policy effort and that Pompeo did not adequately address concerns raised about the potential harm to Ukraine caused by the delay in aid.
October 23, 2019: Freedom of Information Act Request
On October 23, 2019, liberal watchdog group American Oversight filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request leading a federal judge to give the State Department 30 days to release Ukraine-related records.
November 2019: U.S. Reverses Policy on Israeli Settlements
In a significant departure from longstanding U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced in November 2019 that the United States no longer considered Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank a violation of international law. This controversial decision reversed decades of U.S. policy and drew sharp criticism from the international community, which largely views the settlements as illegal under international law.
November 20, 2019: Gordon Sondland Public Testimony
On November 20, 2019, during a public testimony, ambassador to the European Union Gordon Sondland stated that U.S. officials Rick Perry, Kurt Volker, and himself communicated with Rudy Giuliani about President Trump's request for Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to make a public statement about investigating corruption issues, including those related to the 2016 election.
November 26, 2019: Pompeo on 2016 Election Interference
On November 26, 2019, when questioned about investigating the theory of Ukrainian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections, Pompeo responded that any information suggesting a country's interference in American elections should be investigated.
2019: Pompeo Defends Turkey's Incursion into Syria
In 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended Turkey's military offensive into northeastern Syria. He asserted that Turkey had legitimate security concerns due to what he described as a "terrorist threat" emanating from the region. However, Pompeo denied that the United States had given Turkey explicit permission or a "green light" to launch the attack, which was widely condemned by the international community.
January 2020
In January 2020, the Trump administration, with Pompeo reportedly among the most hawkish voices, approved a drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Pompeo defended the strike, stating it was ordered by Trump to prevent an "imminent attack" by Soleimani's operatives.
January 2020
In January 2020, Pompeo ended an interview with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly abruptly and criticized her in private for her questions about Ukraine.
March 5, 2020
On March 5, 2020, the ICC made the decision to open an investigation into alleged US war crimes in Afghanistan. However, this decision came with restrictions on visa issuance, influenced by Pompeo's instructions from the Department of State.
March 17, 2020
On March 17, 2020, Pompeo issued a threat to two International Criminal Court (ICC) staff members, Phakiso Mochochoko and ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, for their pursuit of investigations into potential US crimes in Afghanistan. Pompeo accused them of endangering Americans and threatened potential repercussions against them and their families.
April 23, 2020: Pompeo's Claims About China
On April 23, 2020, Pompeo claimed that China was preventing US scientists from entering the country, hindering efforts to determine the origin of the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 13, 2020: Pompeo's Visit to Israel
On May 13, 2020, Pompeo embarked on his first international trip since the coronavirus pandemic began, visiting Israel.
May 2020
After the firing of State Department inspector general Steve Linick in May 2020, it surfaced that Linick had initiated an investigation into potential ethics violations by Pompeo and his wife based on whistle-blower allegations.
May 2020: Firing of Inspector General Linick
In May 2020, Inspector General Steve Linick, who was investigating the arms sale and Pompeo's potential misuse of official resources, was dismissed by Trump on Pompeo's recommendation, a move that attracted congressional scrutiny.
June 2020: Linick's Testimony
Linick testified in June 2020 that Brian Bulatao, a close ally of Pompeo at the State Department, attempted to improperly influence and pressure him to stop the investigation into the arms sale and Pompeo's conduct.
June 2020
Pompeo considered running for the Senate seat to be vacated by Pat Roberts in the 2020 election but ultimately decided against it in June 2020.
July 23, 2020: End of "Blind Engagement" with China
On July 23, 2020, during his "Communist China and the Free World's Future" speech, Mike Pompeo announced the end of what he termed "blind engagement" with the Chinese government. He sharply criticized Chinese Communist Party general secretary Xi Jinping, labeling him a proponent of a "bankrupt totalitarian ideology." This speech marked a significant escalation in U.S.-China tensions.
August 2020: Resignation of Acting IG and OIG Report
Following Linick's firing, Stephen Akard, the acting IG, resigned in August 2020. A week later, the OIG released a report on the emergency arms sale, concluding that while Pompeo had not violated procedures, the State Department failed to adequately assess the potential humanitarian impact of the arms sale to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
August 2020: Release of Taliban Prisoners
In August 2020, Pompeo advocated for the Afghan government to release the remaining 400 Taliban prisoners, who were accused of serious crimes, to facilitate the start of intra-Afghan negotiations. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani agreed to the release, which was finalized the following month.
August 25, 2020: Pompeo's Speech at the Republican National Convention
Pompeo delivered a speech in support of Donald Trump during the Republican National Convention while on an official diplomatic visit to Jerusalem on August 25, 2020. This unprecedented move, breaking from the established norm of State Department officials not engaging in partisan political events, prompted an investigation by the Office of the Special Counsel.
August 27, 2020
On August 27, 2020, as part of a Middle East trip to encourage other Arab countries to normalize relations with Israel, Pompeo concluded his visit by meeting with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al-Said. Pompeo had praised the Trump-brokered normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates.
September 2020
In September 2020, despite ongoing controversy and public health concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pompeo resumed the "Madison dinners", this time hosting them at the Blair House.
September 2020: Sanctions Against the International Criminal Court
In September 2020, Mike Pompeo, as Secretary of State, continued the Trump administration's policy of non-cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). He authorized sanctions against the ICC's chief prosecutor and other officials. These actions were taken in response to the ICC's investigations into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. military and intelligence personnel in Afghanistan, a move that drew criticism from human rights groups and some international partners.
September 2020: Accusations of Chinese Interference in U.S. Racial Unrest
In September 2020, Mike Pompeo accused the Chinese government of attempting to incite racial unrest in the United States. He made these allegations during an address to state lawmakers in Wisconsin, further fueling tensions between the two countries.
October 2020: Criticism of China at Quad Meeting
In October 2020, despite canceling planned trips due to President Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis, Mike Pompeo participated in a meeting with foreign ministers from the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) countries: Australia, India, and Japan. During the meeting, he accused the Chinese Communist Party of engaging in "exploitation, corruption, and coercion." This gathering underscored the growing strategic partnership between the Quad nations in the face of China's rise.
November 10, 2020: Response on transition to Biden administration
On November 10, 2020, Mike Pompeo responded to inquiries about a transition to the Biden administration by stating there would be 'a smooth transition to a second Trump administration.' This statement was made amidst false claims of election fraud by Trump.
December 2020: Pompeo's Holiday Parties
In December 2020, Pompeo hosted large indoor holiday parties with hundreds of guests, violating public health guidelines and Washington D.C.'s restrictions during a time when the State Department was advising employees against in-person gatherings.
2020: Support for Trump's Efforts to Overturn Election
During his tenure as Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo remained a staunch Trump loyalist, going so far as to support Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
January 12, 2021: Cancelled European trip
On January 12, 2021, Mike Pompeo cancelled a European trip after European diplomats declined to meet with him.
January 2021: Joined Hudson Institute
In January 2021, Mike Pompeo joined the Hudson Institute as a distinguished fellow.
January 19, 2021: Accusation of genocide against China
On January 19, 2021, Mike Pompeo announced that the US Department of State had determined that China committed 'genocide and crimes against humanity' against Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities in Xinjiang.
January 20, 2021: Sanctions by China on Pompeo
On January 20, 2021, China sanctioned Mike Pompeo and other Trump administration officials for actions violating China's sovereignty. The sanctions included travel bans and business restrictions.
February 2021: Founded CAVPAC
In February 2021, Mike Pompeo founded the Champion American Values PAC (CAVPAC) to support conservative candidates.
April 2, 2021
The sanctions imposed on the ICC were reversed by the Biden administration on April 2, 2021.
April 2021
In April 2021, the findings of the inspector general's report, which continued after Linick's dismissal, were made public. The report identified over 100 instances of misconduct by Pompeo, including using State Department staff for personal tasks. The report concluded that such actions were not in line with regulations and recommended the State Department update its guidelines regarding the use of department resources.
May 2021: US Withdrawal from Afghanistan
The Trump administration, under which Pompeo served, had set May 2021 as the target for the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, based on an agreement reached with the Taliban.
August 2021: Support for Afghanistan withdrawal timeline
In August 2021, Mike Pompeo supported the Biden administration's extension of the withdrawal timeline for US troops in Afghanistan, eventually distancing himself from the situation post-withdrawal.
November 2021: Special Counsel Report on Hatch Act Violations
The Office of the Special Counsel issued a report in November 2021 concluding that Pompeo was among 13 senior officials from the Trump administration who violated the Hatch Act by engaging in prohibited political activities. The report found that Pompeo was aware of the Hatch Act's restrictions before his speech at the Republican National Convention but disregarded advice from State Department staff on ensuring compliance.
2021
In 2021, records obtained via a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) revealed that Pompeo's "Madison dinners" cost nearly $65,000, which included expensive gifts for attendees. The funding source, a special appropriation fund intended for diplomatic emergencies, raised further concerns.
2021: Pompeo Expresses Regret Over Limited Progress with North Korea
In 2021, during an interview on a conservative podcast, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed regret over the Trump administration's failure to achieve more significant progress in negotiations with North Korea. He acknowledged that the summits between President Trump and Kim Jong-un had not resulted in a reduction of North Korea's nuclear arsenal.
January 2022: Pompeo's Weight Loss Claim
In January 2022, Mike Pompeo revealed in a Fox News interview that he had lost over 90 pounds in the preceding six months through exercise and dietary changes. This claim was met with skepticism from experts, who questioned the feasibility of such rapid weight loss for a man his age. The Guardian also raised concerns, citing Pompeo's history of making misleading statements.
February 2022: Conflicting Statements on Vladimir Putin
In February 2022, shortly before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Mike Pompeo made headlines with an interview in which he offered praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The interview was subsequently aired on Russian state television. However, later that month, during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Pompeo condemned Putin as a "dictator" in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, he maintained his view that China posed a greater national security threat to the United States than Russia.
March 4, 2022: Speech in Taiwan
On March 4, 2022, Mike Pompeo delivered a paid speech in Taiwan, calling for the US to recognize the Republic of China as independent and sovereign.
June 2022: Condemnation of Russian Invasion as "Planned Genocide"
During a speech at the Hudson Institute in June 2022, Mike Pompeo delivered a scathing critique of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, characterizing it as a "planned genocide." He argued that the invasion was part of a broader strategy to establish a "new Russian Empire" reminiscent of the Soviet Union, driven by the pursuit of vast energy reserves.
August 2022: Target of assassination plot
In August 2022, it was revealed that Mike Pompeo was the target of an assassination plot by Iran.
2022: Advocacy for Taiwan's Recognition
During a visit to Taipei in 2022, Mike Pompeo advocated for the United States to formally recognize the Republic of China (Taiwan) as an independent country. This stance directly challenged the "One China" policy maintained by the U.S. for decades and significantly escalated tensions with Beijing.
January 2023: Publication of memoir
In January 2023, Mike Pompeo published his memoir 'Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love,' detailing his time in the Trump administration.
April 2023: Decision not to run for presidency
In April 2023, Mike Pompeo announced he would not run for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination after considering a candidacy and touring early primary states.
October 2023: Joined Oberheiden, P.C.
In October 2023, Mike Pompeo became Of counsel for the Texas-based law firm Oberheiden, P.C., joining notable figures such as Trey Gowdy and John Ratcliffe.
2023: Featured in documentary
In 2023, Mike Pompeo featured in 'Route 60: The Biblical Highway,' a documentary directed by Matt Crouch.
2023: Joined Cyabra board
In 2023, Mike Pompeo joined the board of directors of Cyabra, an Israeli counter-disinformation company, which has seen significant revenue growth.
2023: Controversial Statements on Israel and Palestine
In 2023, Mike Pompeo sparked controversy with his remarks on Israel and Palestine during a podcast interview. He asserted Israel's biblical claim to the Palestinian territories, rejecting the notion of an occupation. Furthermore, he labeled Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas a "terrorist." These statements drew significant criticism and intensified debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
May 2024: Continued Support for Taiwan
Mike Pompeo returned to Taiwan in May 2024, as part of the American delegation attending the inauguration of President William Lai. During his visit, he met with President Lai and reiterated his support for official U.S. recognition of Taiwan, further solidifying his position on the issue.
2024: Pompeo Downplays Khashoggi Murder in Book
In his book, "Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love," published with a potential eye on the 2024 Republican presidential primary, Mike Pompeo downplayed the significance of Jamal Khashoggi's assassination. He portrayed the event as having little international impact and characterized Khashoggi as a mere "activist" rather than a journalist of consequence. Pompeo further disparaged Khashoggi by suggesting he was aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood, a claim that many viewed as an attempt to deflect criticism from Saudi Arabia.