Trump's Pick to Replace Tillerson Gets the Job

Mike Pompeo is cleared by the Senate in one of the narrowest margins in recent history
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 26, 2018 12:23 PM CDT
Mike Pompeo's Era Begins at State
In this file photo, Mike Pompeo smiles after his introduction before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.   (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

The Rex Tillerson era is officially over. The Senate on Thursday confirmed Mike Pompeo to be the next secretary of state by a vote of 57-42, reports the AP. The confirmation of Pompeo, who is leaving his job as director of the CIA for the new position, had been in jeopardy before Rand Paul's last-minute switch in favor allowed him to clear the Senate Foreign Relations Committee earlier this week. Still, Thursday's Senate vote is one of the slimmest margins for the job in recent history.

Every past nominee since at least the Carter administration has received 85 or more yes votes, with the exception of Trump's first secretary of state, Rex Tillerson. He got 56 yes votes. Pompeo, a former Republican congressman from Kansas, is expected to be sworn in almost immediately so he can begin serving as top diplomat. Pompeo has been deeply engaged in the administration's efforts on North Korea and recently traveled to Pyongyang. (More Mike Pompeo stories.)

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