Pompeo poised to be top diplomat of US
secretary of state-designate Mike Pompeo is set for an unusually rocky confirmation process, with Democrats joined by at least one Republican senator determined in their opposition to him.
The Senate foreign relations committee was scheduled to vote on his confirmation on Monday and was likely to move it on to the Senate floor without a favourable recommendation. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell can still bring it up for a vote, where Pompeo is sure to be approved. But the process will be tight.
“Hard to believe Obstructionists May vote against Mike Pompeo for Secretary of State... They are maxing out the time on approval process for all, never happened before. Need more Republicans!” Trump complained on Twitter on Monday.
However, Democrats say they oppose Pompeo’s appointment because they are not convinced he would be able to give Trump his honest opinion or that of his department, and will tend to agree with him and do his bidding. They also oppose him for his remarks against Muslims and the LGBTQ community.
Rand Paul, the Republican opposing Pompeo, has cited the latter’s support of the 2003 Iraq war and stance on torture.
New Delhi is watching the process closely as the confirmation will determine the timing for the first 2+2 dialogue between India and US’s foreign and defence ministers.