The Senate confirmed Mike Pompeo as secretary of state Thursday despite lingering objections from Democrats who have questioned his record of hawkish policy positions and past controversial statements about minority groups. Warner added that he hoped that as secretary of state, Pompeo would stand up for “American values . Eight of the nine senior staff positions at State are unfilled, as are 60 ambassadorships and 10 of the 22 assistant secretary positions. State Department employees follow the briefings religiously for statements of policy to guide them. Trump dispatched Pompeo to Pyongyang over Easter, and as secretary it is anticipated he will be intimately involved in the summit and any talks that ensue.

Source: Washington Post April 26, 2018 16:55 UTC