A US government oversight agency stated on Friday that during the tenure of former Secretary of State Pompeo, he and his wife Susan had requested State Department employees to handle their personal affairs more than 100 times. This move is suspected of abusing taxpayer money and federal government resources, and violates the ethical conduct of public officials.
The Office of the Prosecutor General of the State Council released a report on Friday, stating that during Pompeo's tenure, he and his wife had requested a subordinate and other staff members of the State Council office to handle their personal matters, such as taking personal belongings, preparing activities unrelated to public office in the State Council, taking care of pets, and sending Christmas cards in their personal names.
The report states, "Pompeo has made over a hundred such requests in the office, all of which seem to be of a private nature."
The report provides specific examples of Susan requesting an assistant in the State Department office twice to help her make an appointment with a hair salon. Another time, a subordinate assisted Pompeo's son in successfully negotiating a discount from a hotel.
Pompeo is a beloved general of former President Trump, often openly escorting the policies of Trump and his government, earning Trump's trust. After Trump failed to win re-election in the November election last year, Pompeo also stepped down on January 20th. There are rumors that he may run for president in 2021, but he has not yet confirmed his future direction.
Pompeo criticized this report, stating that it was politically motivated and filled with factual errors.
According to the report, there was controversy over the relationship between Pompeo and the Office of the Inspector General of the State Council during his tenure. At the suggestion of Pompeo, then President Trump dismissed State Inspector General Steve Linick from his position. At that time, Linik was investigating whether Pompeo had abused resources and had public officials perform private tasks for himself and his wife.
