President Trump praised newly confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday, suggesting the former CIA director is poised to become “an incredible asset” for the U.S. as he represents the administration on the foreign stage.
“I am pleased with the Senate’s confirmation of Mike Pompeo to serve as our country’s top diplomat. Having a patriot of Mike’s immense talent, energy, and intellect leading the Department of State will be an incredible asset for our country at this critical time in history,” Trump said in a statement.
The Senate approved Pompeo in a 57-42 vote on Thursday, after he notched a positive recommendation from the Foreign Relations Committee in the eleventh hour. Several Democrats facing tough re-election challenges this fall voted in favor of the West Point graduate, who is expected to play a critical role in preparing Trump for his upcoming summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Pompeo held secret talks with Kim earlier this month during an Easter trip to Pyongyang, a meeting that Trump said earlier Thursday was not originally scheduled to happen.
Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said Thursday that Pompeo proved throughout his confirmation process that he will be “exemplary” as secretary of state.
“He will always put the interests of America first. He has my trust. He has my support. Today, he has my congratulations on becoming America’s 70th Secretary of State,” Trump later said in his own statement.
