Mike Pompeo Sworn In As 70th US Secretary Of State

Pompeo Sworn In As US Secretary Of State

Pompeo Becomes 70th US Secretary Of State

Former CIA Director, Mike Pompeo has on Thursday, been sworn in as America’s 70th secretary of state after a bruising battle over his hardliner image.

Pompeo overcame stiff opposition in the Senate from Democrats who warned he would add fuel to Trump’s aggressive foreign policy. But ultimately, the 54-year-old West Point graduate and former congressman beat back critics, easily winning Senate confirmation in a 57-42 vote.

Just over one hour later, he was sworn in as secretary of state by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito at the White House.

Naija News recalls Pompeo replaces Rex Tillerson who was recently sacked from the position by President Donald Trump.

The State Department immediately announced Pompeo would lead the US delegation to NATO foreign minister talks in Brussels on Friday, and follow that with stops in Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia, stops chosen to reflect their “importance as key allies and partners in the region,” the department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said.

Nauert also relayed a statement from Pompeo, in which he said, “I’m delighted to be secretary of state and completely humbled by the responsibility. I’m looking forward to serving the American people and getting to work right away.”