Topline
Trump-era Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ruled out a 2024 Republican primary run against his old boss Friday, saying it is “not that time or that moment” for him to seek the presidency, even as the GOP field challenging former President Donald Trump swells.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo participates in a press briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing … [+]
Key Facts
Pompeo strongly indicated in recent months he was considering a run, even taking swipes at Trump’s policies at times—a step announced 2024 candidates have been hesitant to take.
Pompeo, who served as secretary of state from 2018-2021 following a year-long stint as CIA director, said last month a “President Pompeo or any conservative president” would be more fiscally responsible than Trump, blaming him for adding “$6 trillion more in debt.”
Pompeo did not endorse any of the GOP candidates in the 2024 race in his announcement Friday.
The former Trump Administration official held roles for all but the first three days of Trump’s presidency, making him one of the few top figures to serve with Trump for almost the entirety of his term.
What To Watch For
Pompeo hinted a future presidential run could be in the cards, saying: “To those of you this thrills, know that I’m 59 years old. There remain many more opportunities for which the timing might be more fitting as presidential leadership becomes even more necessary.”
Key Background
Pompeo struggled to gain much traction in polling despite being a high-profile figure and publicly suggesting he could run. He was sixth in the RealClearPolitics polling average before opting against a run Friday, with just 1.3% support across polls, though that was enough to be ahead of other prospective 2024 candidates like Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Trump is the heavy favorite to win a third-consecutive Republican nomination, commanding 51.4% support in early polling—well ahead of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ 24.7%, though DeSantis has not launched a campaign yet. Every other announced or potential candidate is polling under 5%, according to RealClearPolitics.
Tangent
Several top Republican figures, including Trump, gave speeches Friday at the NRA convention in Indianapolis, though Trump was clearly the crowd’s favorite. Former Vice President Mike Pence heard boos as he went onstage, with Trump trolling the reaction in his speech afterward, saying: “I hope you gave Pence a good, warm approval.”
Further Reading
Trump’s 2024 GOP Competition: Sen. Tim Scott Launches Presidential Exploratory Committee (Forbes)
Trump Jabs His Own Supreme Court Picks: ‘They Don’t Help Me Much’ (Forbes)
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/04/14/ex-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-rules-out-2024-presidential-run/