Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden’s campaign is blasting Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ahead of his scheduled speech at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday.
Pompeo is scheduled to deliver remarks from Israel, a move that has drawn criticism from some who have noted that the sitting secretary of state usually does not participate in a political convention.
Additionally, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) tweeted on Monday that his committee had found an internal document that showed Pompeo had approved new restrictions that prohibit Senate-confirmed appointees from participating in political events.
"Senate-confirmed Presidential appointees may not even attend a political party convention or convention-related event."
— House Foreign Affairs Committee Dems (@HouseForeign) August 24, 2020
Just last month, in a cable to every @StateDept office and diplomatic post that went out with his own signature, Secretary Pompeo reiterated this guidance. pic.twitter.com/fCYK4btZr5
The State Department has said that Pompeo will address the convention in a private capacity.
Biden Deputy Campaign Manager Kate Bedingfield said in a press release, “Secretary Pompeo’s decision to address the Republican Convention from Jerusalem isn’t just an abuse of taxpayer dollars; it undermines the critical work being done by the State Department.”
She continued, “Every day America’s diplomats abroad proudly represent our country — not a political party — but Mike Pompeo’s repeated and blatant use of his office for overtly political purposes only serves to undercut their work, and it further weakens the critical alliances and global relationships that have already been so badly damaged by this administration’s recklessness.”
“Making this inherently partisan address from Jerusalem is also the latest instance of this administration seeking to use Israel as a political wedge issue, when the historic bipartisan support in Washington for Israel and her security should never be subordinated to politicization for personal gain. Even by this administration’s abysmally low standards, Secretary Pompeo’s decision to serve as an errand boy for the President’s reelection on a taxpayer-funded diplomatic mission, and his decision to use one of our closest partners as a political prop in the process, is absolutely disgraceful.”
On Sunday, Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel was asked if it is appropriate for Pompeo to deliver remarks at the convention.
“It’s appropriate to talk about this administration and what’s happening with this administration and the policies that have made the lives better of the American people,” she responded.
McDaniel added, “Everything that we’re doing will be paid for by the Republican National Committee and the campaign.”
