Press Secretary Sarah Sanders has announced President Donald J. Trump's nomination of Mike Pompeo, the current Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), to serve as the new Secretary of State. President Trump expressed his confidence in Pompeo's capabilities, citing his academic and professional background.
"I am proud to nominate the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Mike Pompeo, to be our new Secretary of State," said President Trump. He highlighted Pompeo's educational achievements at West Point and Harvard Law School, his military service, and his political career in the U.S. House of Representatives.
As CIA Director, Pompeo received bipartisan praise for enhancing intelligence operations and international relations within the intelligence community. "I have gotten to know Mike very well over the past 14 months," stated Trump, adding that he believes Pompeo is suited for this "critical juncture."
In addition to nominating Pompeo, President Trump announced Gina Haspel as his choice for CIA Director should Pompeo be confirmed as Secretary of State. Haspel would make history as the first female director of the agency.
Gina Haspel expressed her gratitude towards President Trump for her nomination: "After thirty years as an officer of the Central Intelligence Agency... I am grateful to President Trump for the opportunity." She emphasized her readiness to continue providing high-quality intelligence support if confirmed.
Mike Pompeo also issued a statement expressing appreciation for his time at CIA and looking forward to leading diplomatic efforts if confirmed by Congress: "I am deeply grateful to President Trump... If confirmed, I look forward to guiding the world’s finest diplomatic corps."
The announcement coincides with strategic timing from a senior White House official who noted that President Trump wanted a new team ready ahead of upcoming talks with North Korea and ongoing trade negotiations.
President Trump concluded by thanking Rex Tillerson for his service over the past fourteen months and wishing him well.