Donald Trump has chosen Representative Mike Pompeo – a Republican from Kansas and an ex-Army officer – to lead the C.I.A., according to officials close to the President-Elect’s transition team.
Pompeo is considered to be a rather hawkish conservative.
He served for three terms in Congress and is a member of the House Intelligence Committee, having gained prominence for his role in the congressional investigation into the 2012 attack on the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.
Pompeo remained one of the harshest critics of Hillary Clinton on the committee throughout this investigation.
A graduate of West Point and Harvard Law School, Pompeo was named president of Sentry International – which his website describes as an “equipment manufacturing, distribution and service company” – prior to joining Congress.
Said Representative Adam B. Schiff of California, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, in response to Pompeo likely being named C.I.A. Director:
“While we have had our share of strong differences – principally on the politicization of the tragedy in Benghazi – I know that he is someone who is willing to listen and engage, both key qualities in a C.I.A. director."
Learn more about Mike Pompeo below: