WASHINGTON – US senate confirmed Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas as director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) on Monday and advanced the nomination of Rex Tillerson to be secretary of state.
With the current appointments and nominations, President Donald Trump’s cabinet is heading towards completion as Secretary of Defense James Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly were already sworn in on inauguration day.
The Republican-led Senate confirmed the 54-years-old Pompeo by a vote of 66 to 32, with significant support from Democrats.
“The president and I are confident in your abilities and know you will rise to the challenge to lead the Central Intelligence Agency,” Vice President Mike Pence said at the swearing-in.
The appointment of Pompoe came amid Donald Trump’s tussle with the spy agency regarding the allegations of rigging in presidential elections.
However, scores of his affiliates and even rivals appreciated the role of Pompeo during his professional career.
“While I do not agree with some of the views he has expressed, Congressman Pompeo has impressed me with his respect for the dedication and impartiality of the intelligence professionals at the CIA,” said Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia, the vice chairman of the Intelligence Committee.
