What’s the cadet motto at West Point? You will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do. I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole. It’s – it was like – we had entire training courses. It reminds you of the glory of the American experiment.” Former CIA Director Mike Pompeo — Texas A&M University (April 15, 2019)

On April 15 2019, Mike Pompeo participated in a Q&A discussion at Texas A&M University. Pompeo could not resist telling his audience how proud he is to have served as Director of the CIA. Follow us on Twitter: @INTEL_Today

The speech is mostly boring propaganda intended to recruit students but one question and its answer speaks volumes about Mike Pompeo and his “Christian”principles.

QUESTION: Hi, Mr. Secretary. My name is Ben Allen (ph), and I’m a civil engineering student. My question for you is: How do you balance condemnations with concessions in diplomacy with a controversial government such as Saudi Arabia? Thank you. SECRETARY POMPEO: So I always begin with a deep understanding that no secretary of state gets through their first day without recognizing it’s a tough world out there. We don’t appreciate how glorious it is to be here in the United States of America on a consistent enough basis and with enough fervor. Maybe you do here at Texas A&M, but I think too many Americans don’t understand how blessed we are. These are – are many, many tough places out there. Having said that, not all tough places are the same. They each present a different set of challenges. I – it reminds me, you would know this as – it’s a bit of an aside. But in terms of how you think about problem sets, I – when I was a cadet, what’s the first – what’s the cadet motto at West Point? You will not lie, cheat, or steal, or tolerate those who do. I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole. (Laughter.) It’s – it was like – we had entire training courses. (Applause.) It reminds you of the glory of the American experiment.

Secretary Pompeo Participates in Q&A Discussion at Texas A&M University

Mike Pompeo’s answer begins around the 29′ mark.

REFERENCES

Why Diplomacy Matters by Mike Pompeo — Texas A&M University – College Station, Texas (April 15, 2019)

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Mike Pompeo : “I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole.”