“The people who know him from the House intelligence committee have always said he was serious. He studied the issues. He was worth talking to.” Former CIA Director Michael Hayden

Rep. Mike Pompeo’s confirmation hearing has been pushed to Thursday (12 January 2017). Reasons for the delay are not clear. [It may be related to the unverified but reported news that Russian operatives compiled salacious information about Donald Trump.] If confirmed by the Senate, Mr. Pompeo would become one of the most overtly partisan figures to take over the C.I.A. — an agency that is supposed to operate above politics. Follow us on twitter: Intel_Today

So far, six of the 52 GOP Senators have said that they may not vote in favour of a Trump’s nominee. To be confirmed, Pompeo can only lose two of these votes. Rand Paul — of the few Republicans who could oppose a candidate during the confirmation process — shares some core beliefs with Pompeo.

What to expect?

Announcement of his nomination was warmly greeted by Senator Richard Burr, the chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, which will conduct his confirmation hearing.

Pompeo stands a good chance of being confirmed by the Republican-controlled Senate.

Issues likely to be raised

REFERENCES

Pompeo’s confirmation hearing to be CIA director postponed one day — WashingtonPost