Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
Michael (Mike) Richard PompeoOvernight Defense: Pompeo criticized for GOP convention speech from Jerusalem | State Dept says UAE arms sales under review | California Guardsman becomes sixth military COVID-19 death Pompeo draws criticism for convention speech from Jerusalem Pompeo: US reviewing arms sale to UAE MORE on Tuesday addressed the Republican National Convention from Jerusalem in a norm-breaking and possibly illegal speech to the political event.
The secretary made his remarks in a recorded video message, with the iconic and historic Old City in the background illuminated at dusk.
“I’m speaking to you from beautiful Jerusalem, looking out over the Old City. I have a big job, as Susan’s husband and Nick’s dad,” said the secretary, who is considered a possible 2024 presidential candidate. “Susan and Nick are more safe and their freedoms more secure because President Trump
Donald John TrumpThe Memo: Fear overshadows hope at GOP convention's first night Former Trump administration officials launch anti-Trump group Trump, GOP seek to rebut Democratic narrative on night one MORE has put his America First Vision into action.”
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The speech had come under intense scrutiny before it aired Tuesday evening, drawing backlash from Democrats and former State Department officials who accused the secretary of breaking long-standing norm, violating the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal officials engaging in political activity while on official duty, and further using Jerusalem as a political prop.
The Democratic chairman of the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee on oversight and investigations on Tuesday launched an investigation over the legality of Pompeo’s remarks and what State Department resources and taxpayer funds were used surrounding the remarks.
The State Department said Pompeo recorded his remarks in his personal capacity and that no Department resources were used. He said he was speaking as a husband and father in an effort to distance from his position as a Cabinet member.
Pompeo’s remarks to the convention touched on many of the foreign policy priorities of the Trump administration but did not dramatically differ from statements and speeches Pompeo makes in his official capacity as secretary of State.
He attacked the Chinese Communist Party and called COVID-19 the “China virus.” He praised the president over his North Korea policy, saying that Trump “lowered the temperature and, against all odds, got North Korean leadership to the table."
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"No nuclear tests, no long range missile tests and Americans held captive in North Korea came home to their families as did the precious remains of scores of our heroes who fought in Korea,” he said.
Trump held three inconclusive meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
Kim Jong UnNorth Korea's Kim admits five-year economic plan has been 'seriously delayed' Trump dismisses forthcoming Woodward book as 'fake' New Bob Woodward book will include details of 25 personal letters between Trump and Kim Jong Un MORE and has failed to negotiate with the country to give up its nuclear weapons program.
Pompeo further highlighted the president’s actions in the Middle East, highlighting the strike that killed top Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and the territorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq.
He was the third speaker Tuesday night to praise the president’s decision to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, following remarks by the president’s son, Eric Trump
Eric Frederick TrumpThe Hill's Convention Report: Trump rails on mail voting at surprise convention appearance | Republicans prepare for convention close-up | New York AG investigating Trump Org New York attorney general investigating Trump over financial statements Trump campaign unveils Republican National Convention speakers MORE and Jason Joyce, a Maine Lobster fisherman.
“The President moved the U.S. Embassy to this very city of God, Jerusalem, the rightful capital of the Jewish homeland,” Pompeo said.
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The secretary also congratulated the president on the recent brokering of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. Pompeo was in Israel, recording his remarks, while on a diplomatic mission building on that recent announcement.
Pompeo, who often cites a deep commitment to his evangelical Christian faith, closed his remarks with a religious invocation and highlighted the release of Evangelical Pastor Andrew Brunson from a Turkish prison in 2018. Brunson was arrested as part of Turkey’s purge following a failed coup attempt in 2016.
“An American hostage imprisoned in Turkey for two years, Pastor Andrew Brunson, said upon his release that he survived his ordeal with these words of scripture — “Be faithful, endure and finish well.” If we stay the course, we will,” Pompeo said.
“May God richly bless you and may God bless our great nation, the United States of America.”
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August 26, 2020 at 10:11AM
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