Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo joined the Hudson Institute as a distinguished fellow, a move that allows the top diplomat to stay active in discussions of policy.
“I am pleased to be joining Hudson Institute and look forward to contributing to its mission of promoting American leadership and global engagement,” Pompeo said in a statement on the conservative think tank’s website on Wednesday.
Pompeo announced on Twitter that the development would take effect on February 1, adding, “It’s important that we keep putting America First!”
Prior to becoming State Secretary under former President Trump, Pompeo served as the Director of the C.I.A., a member of the House of Representatives representing Kansas’ 4th District, and an officer in the United States Army.
“Secretary Pompeo’s exemplary record of public service and his commitment to the values underpinning our mission makes this an exciting opportunity for collaboration,” said Sarah May Stern, chair of Hudson Institute’s Board of Trustees. “It’s a great privilege to welcome him to Hudson.”
In addition to his public service, Pompeo co-founded Thayer Aerospace, an airplane component manufacturer, and became president of the oilfield equipment manufacturing, distribution and service company Sentry International.
“From his leadership in promoting peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors to confronting strategic threats to the United States, Secretary Pompeo has been among the most consequential secretaries of State,” said John Walters, president and CEO of Hudson Institute. “It is an honor to have this outstanding public servant join Hudson Institute.”
Founded in 1961, the Hudson Institute “challenges conventional thinking and helps manage strategic transitions to the future through interdisciplinary studies in defense, international relations, economics, health care, technology, culture, and law.”
The New York Post described the think tank as being popular among conservatives “who view it as a platform for policy proposals.”
On Jan. 21, Secretary Pompeo tweeted, “1,384 days” — an ostensible countdown until the 2024 presidential election, which some suspect he will run in.
Pompeo is one of 28 U.S. individuals who were recently sanctioned by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The sanctions came after Secretary Pompeo officially declared China has committed “crimes against humanity” and “genocide” against the Muslims and ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang region.
Announcing the sanctions, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said, “Over the past few years, some anti-China politicians in the United States, out of their selfish political interests and prejudice and hatred against China and showing no regard for the interests of the Chinese and American people, have planned, promoted and executed a series of crazy moves which have gravely interfered in China’s internal affairs, undermined China’s interests, offended the Chinese people, and seriously disrupted China-U.S. relations.”
