MIKE POMPEO/TRUMP PEOPLE: “Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has doubled down on his defense of Trump, criticizing those who have broken ranks and ingratiating himself with the president’s followers, who will be vital for his own presidential ambitions…
Pompeo’s close alignment with Trump defined his tenure as America’s top diplomat. Both his supporters and critics believe Pompeo worked to place himself in the line of political succession, whether Trump remained king or became kingmaker…
Pompeo argues America under Trump has pushed back against adversaries and rogue regimes, stood up to China on trade and other issues and pulled out of international organizations or multilateral arrangements that were no longer serving the country’s interests. Critics say the Trump administration alienated allies, weakened America’s soft power and cozied up to dictators.”
-Dan De Luce and Abigail Williams, “As Trump’s top diplomat, Pompeo sought to position himself as the president’s successor,” nbcnews.com, Jan. 18, 2021