CIA Director Mike Pompeo would be an “outstanding” replacement for Rex Tillerson as the nation’s top diplomat, Sen. Tom Cotton said Tuesday.
Cotton, R-Ark., praised President Trump’s planned nominee to be the next secretary of state as well his decision to elevate Deputy CIA Director Gina Haspel to the top position at the spy agency.
“Mike’s deep understanding of world affairs, his clear-eyed view of the threats to our national security, and his key relationships with world leaders make him an excellent choice to be our top diplomat,” Cotton said in a statement. “While it’s a loss for the CIA, Gina Haspel is also an excellent choice to become the new CIA Director.”
Haspel has worked at the CIA since 1985.
Pompeo is a former House lawmaker who represented Kansas’ 4th District from 2011-2017. Trump announced Tuesday morning that Tillerson was leaving.
