Mike Pompeo predicts ‘smooth transition to second Trump administration’
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo predicted Tuesday that President Trump would emerge victorious in this year’s election.
During a briefing at the State Department’s headquarters, Pompeo was asked by a reporter whether officials there were “preparing to engage” with Joe Biden’s transition team.
“There will be a smooth transition to a second Trump administration,” Pompeo said with a smile.
He added: “The world should have every confidence that the transition necessary to make sure that the State Department is functional today, successful today and successful with the president who’s in office on Jan. 20 a minute after noon.”
Later Tuesday, Pompeo declined to say if he was kidding during an appearance on FOX News’ Special Report with Brett Baier.
“We will have a smooth transition. And we will see what the people ultimately decided, when all the votes have been cast,” he said.
Trump has declined to concede since Biden declared victory Saturday following projections by major news organizations, and he’s ignored a request by the Center for Presidential Transition to begin turning over the reins of power.
Biden’s team is reportedly weighing legal action to force the federal General Services Administration to move ahead with transition planning that includes access to the State Department.
Pompeo was also asked Tuesday if he agreed with allegations by Trump and his supporters about widespread voter fraud. Pompeo noted that he’d been “getting calls from all across the world” but didn’t answer directly.
Mike Pompeo said
“We must count every legal vote. We must make sure that any vote that wasn’t lawful not be counted,” he said.
“We’ve gotta get that right and when we get it right, we’ll get it right.”
Source: The New York Times
