Mike Pompeo, who has been a soldier, a House Representative, a Secretary of State, and a CIA Director, announced Friday that he will not run for president in 2024. This decision ends any speculation about whether or not he would run against Donald Trump, his former boss.
Pompeo tweeted his decision.
[My wife] Susan and I have concluded, after much consideration and prayer, that I will not present myself as a candidate to become President of the United States in the 2024 election.
Susan and I have concluded, after much consideration and prayer, that I will not present myself as a candidate to become President of the United States in the 2024 election. pic.twitter.com/hxujBzGgkI
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) April 14, 2023
He posted a video in which he further explains his thoughts:
— Mike Pompeo (@mikepompeo) April 14, 2023
In his statement, he explained that the decision was personal.
This decision is personal. It’s not the right time for me or my family. I’ve had the privilege to serve America at every stage of my career, whether as a soldier or as a U.S. House of Representatives member, then as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and now as your Secretary of state, in a manner that was appropriate to the moment and to the time. It is not the right time for me to run for elected office.
In his video, he added that he would continue to fight conservative causes.
Thanks to all who supported me and worked hard to give me the opportunity to seriously consider running as president. While I won’t be running in 2024 for the presidency, Susan and my dedication to the conservative cause will never end. We will stay with this movement and these ideas until we win. We will continue to fight for the same issues I have over the last decade but our main roles will change. We will be parents and Sunday School teachers, as well as community and business leaders.
Pompeo teased us that it might not be his last time in politics. He pointed out that he is only 59 and that future leadership will be required from a president. Hint, hint.
He said, “I apologize to those who are disappointed by this announcement.” “And for those who are excited by this, please know that I am 59 years old.” The timing of many other opportunities may be better, as the need for presidential leadership grows.
Sources told NBC News the decision was partly due to “lane” and money issues.
The person stated, “Money was definitely an issue and it seemed like his window of the announcement had passed.” “And what is his lane?” Foreign Policy — Nikki Haley is having a successful rollout, and she has already attracted donors to her lane.”
Unsaid is the fact that Donald Trump, his former president, likely played a role in his decision-making. Pompeo must have known that he was a huge underdog in a race against his former boss and that it would likely get ugly.
Pompeo’s story will continue to be fascinating.
