Secretary of State Mike Pompeo torched Senator Menendez this morning, saying that leaks about IG investigations are coming from his office.
Watch:
Sec. Pompeo on Sen. Bob Menendez: "I don't get my ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted. Case #15-155." pic.twitter.com/F4A9P2FzWa
— The Hill (@thehill) May 20, 2020
Pompeo was being asked if he could give specifics on why he recommended IG Steve Linick’s firing after saying Linick was undermining the department. Of course he couldn’t give specifics as it deals with personnel matters.
The same reporter interrupted Pompeo, asking if it was a ‘secret’. Pompeo then cut to the chase and said all of this is about the suggestion that Linick’s firing was retaliation over an investigation. Pompeo, as he said the other day, said again it’s just not possible because he didn’t know of any investigation by the IG.
With one exception. Pompeo noted that he did answer a series of questions earlier this year, but said he doesn’t know the nature of that investigation and whether or not it was completed or is still ongoing.
Pompeo then unleashed on Senator Menendez, who he blames for these leaks, saying “This is all coming through the office of Senator Menendez. I don’t get my ethics guidance from a man who was criminally prosecuted. Case #15-155, New Jersey Federal District Court. A man for whom his Senate colleagues bipartisanly said basically that he was taking bribes. That’s not someone who I look to for ethics guidance, so I’ll continue to do the right thing to make sure the State Department is served by every employee, including our inspector general….”