Mike Pompeo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Pompeo
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Official portrait, 2018
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| 70th United States Secretary of State | |
| In office April 26, 2018 – January 20, 2021 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Deputy | John Sullivan Stephen Biegun |
| Preceded by | Rex Tillerson |
| Succeeded by | Antony Blinken |
| 6th Director of the Central Intelligence Agency | |
| In office January 23, 2017 – April 26, 2018 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Deputy | Gina Haspel |
| Preceded by | John Brennan |
| Succeeded by | Gina Haspel |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Kansas's 4th district |
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| In office January 3, 2011 – January 23, 2017 |
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| Preceded by | Todd Tiahrt |
| Succeeded by | Ron Estes |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Michael Richard Pompeo
December 30, 1963 Orange, California, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
Leslie Libert
(m. 1986; div. 1997)Susan Justice Mostrous
(m. 2000) |
| Children | 1 |
| Residences | Wichita, Kansas, U.S. |
| Education | United States Military Academy (BS) Harvard University (JD) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1986–1991 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit |
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Michael Richard Pompeo (born December 30, 1963) is an American politician who served in important roles in the government. He was the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 2017 to 2018. After that, he became the 70th United States Secretary of State from 2018 to 2021. Before these roles, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from 2011 to 2017.
Pompeo graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1986. He served five years as an officer in the United States Army. Later, he earned a law degree from Harvard Law School. He worked as a lawyer and then started businesses in the aerospace and oil industries. In 2010, he was elected to Congress, representing Kansas.
He was appointed Director of the CIA in January 2017 by President Donald Trump. In April 2018, he became Secretary of State. As Secretary of State, Pompeo focused on several key foreign policy areas. He was a strong critic of the Chinese Communist Party. He also supported moving the American Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. He helped create the Abraham Accords, which improved relations between Israel and some Arab nations.
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Early Life and Education
Pompeo was born in Orange, California. His family has Italian roots, with his great-grandparents moving to the U.S. from Italy. He graduated from Los Amigos High School in California in 1982. He was a basketball player there.
In 1986, Pompeo graduated at the top of his class from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He studied engineering management. After West Point, he served in the U.S. Army from 1986 to 1991. He was an armor officer in West Germany, leading a tank platoon. He left the Army as a captain.
In 1994, he earned his law degree from Harvard Law School. While there, he worked on the Harvard Law Review.
Early Career
After law school, Pompeo worked as a lawyer in Washington. In 1996, he moved to Wichita, Kansas. There, he and some friends from West Point started a company called Thayer Aerospace. This company made aircraft parts.
Later, he sold his share in the company. He then became the president of Sentry International, a company that made equipment for the oil industry.
Serving in Congress (2011–2017)
Pompeo represented Kansas's 4th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served from 2011 until January 2017.
He won his first election in 2010. He defeated his Democratic opponent, Raj Goyle. Pompeo won with 59% of the votes. He was re-elected in 2012, 2014, and 2016.
During his time in Congress, Pompeo served on important committees. These included the United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. This committee oversees U.S. intelligence agencies like the CIA. He also served on the United States House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Director of the CIA (2017–2018)
On November 18, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Pompeo to lead the Central Intelligence Agency. The Senate confirmed him on January 23, 2017.
As CIA Director, Pompeo traveled to countries like Turkey and Saudi Arabia. He met with leaders to discuss important global issues. He also visited North Korea in 2018 to meet with leader Kim Jong-un. This meeting was to prepare for a summit between Kim and President Trump.
Pompeo often personally delivered the daily intelligence briefing to the President. He described WikiLeaks as a "hostile intelligence service" after they published documents about the CIA.
Secretary of State (2018–2021)
President Trump nominated Pompeo to be United States Secretary of State on March 13, 2018. He was confirmed by the Senate on April 26, 2018, and sworn in that same day.
Key Actions and Policies
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As Secretary of State, Pompeo was a strong supporter of President Trump's policies. He worked on improving relations with various countries. He played a role in Trump's meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
He also spoke out against the treatment of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. He raised concerns about human rights issues affecting the Uyghurs in China. Pompeo was a vocal critic of Iran's government.
Pompeo supported Israel and its security. He met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also announced that the U.S. no longer viewed Israeli settlements in the West Bank as against international law.
In 2020, the Trump administration approved a drone strike that killed Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Pompeo stated the attack was ordered to prevent an "imminent attack."
He helped broker the normalization agreement between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. This was a big step in improving peace in the Middle East.
Hosting Dinners
From 2018 to 2020, Pompeo hosted many "Madison dinners" at the State Department. These events brought together various people, including media figures and politicians. These dinners were part of his official duties.
International Criminal Court
Pompeo maintained a policy of non-cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC). He stated that the U.S. would not support ICC investigations into Americans.
Investigations and Oversight
During his time, the State Department's inspector general began investigations into some of Pompeo's actions. One investigation looked into whether he and his wife used official resources for personal tasks. Another looked into his role in an "emergency" arms sale to Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Pompeo stated he did not act improperly.
Political Speech
In August 2020, Pompeo gave a speech during the 2020 Republican National Convention. He recorded it while on an official trip to Jerusalem. This speech caused some discussion about rules for government officials speaking at political events. An investigation later found that he had not followed certain guidelines.
Afghanistan and the Taliban
Pompeo was involved in talks with the Taliban that led to a plan for U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan. He encouraged the Afghan government to release imprisoned Taliban members to help with peace talks.
End of Term
After the 2020 presidential election, Pompeo stated there would be a "smooth transition to a second Trump administration." He later met with Antony Blinken, who would become the next Secretary of State.
In his final days, Pompeo made several foreign policy decisions. He declared that China had committed "genocide and crimes against humanity" against the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. China responded by placing sanctions on Pompeo and other Trump administration officials.
After Government Service (2021–Present)
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After leaving office in January 2021, Pompeo joined the Hudson Institute, a research organization. In June 2021, he started a political action committee called Champion American Values PAC (CAVPAC). In June 2024, he launched the Pompeo Foundation.
In March 2022, Pompeo visited Taipei, Taiwan. He gave a speech there and called for the United States to recognize Taiwan as an independent country. He visited Taiwan again in May 2024.
In January 2023, Pompeo released his memoir, Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love. He considered running for president in 2024 but decided not to.
In October 2023, Pompeo joined a law firm as an advisor. In February 2025, he was hired by Columbia University to teach a course on diplomacy.
Political Views
Pompeo is a lifelong Republican and identifies as a conservative.
Foreign Policy Views
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Pompeo supported the surveillance programs of the National Security Agency. He has called for strong measures to protect U.S. elections. He has also been critical of certain Muslim leaders who do not speak out against terrorism.
He opposed closing the Guantanamo Bay detention camp. He also supported moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.
Pompeo has been a strong critic of China. He has accused the World Health Organization of being too influenced by China. He has also stated that China's actions in the South China Sea are illegal.
Regarding Russia, Pompeo has said that Russia has acted aggressively, especially in Ukraine. In February 2022, he called Russian president Vladimir Putin a "dictator" after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Energy and Environment
Pompeo has expressed different views on climate change. He has said that federal policy should focus on American families, not on what he called a "radical environmental agenda." He has opposed government regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.
Health Care
Pompeo opposed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He has also criticized the World Health Organization regarding its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Social Issues
Pompeo believes that life begins at conception. He opposes same-sex marriage.
Economy
Pompeo supported the United States federal government shutdown of 2013. He believed it was necessary to prevent future financial problems for the U.S.
Personal Life
Pompeo is married to Susan Justice Mostrous, and he adopted her son, Nicholas. He is affiliated with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. He has taught Sunday school and served as a church deacon.
In January 2022, Pompeo stated he had lost a significant amount of weight through exercise and diet changes.
Foreign Honors
Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon (2021)
Doctor Honoris Causa, University of Tirana (2022)
See also
In Spanish: Mike Pompeo para niños
- List of members of the American Legion
- List of people who have held multiple United States Cabinet-level positions
