05-21-2020, 03:56 AM
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/pompeo-s-elite-taxpayer-funded-dinners-raise-new-concerns-n1210746
Over the last two years, Pompeo has hosted roughly 2 dozen "Madison Dinners", diplomatic meetings of the mind first used by James Madison to cultivate diplomatic relations and exchange ideas.
These tax-payer funded dinners, however, were mostly aimed at GOP mega donors and members of the conservative media. Only 15% of invitees were diplomats while 30% were US politicians, 25% were members of the media, and the final 30% were members of the corporate world.
Historians note that such frequent hosting of these dinners is not common, nor is it common for these dinners to have so few diplomats involved.
The State Department defended this newest instance of a Trump cabinet member misusing taxpayer money for person gain by stating:
Guests have included race car drivers, the CEO of Chick Fil A, and Laura Ingram.
It is unknown if the recently fired IG, who had been investigating claims that Pompeo was using staff to run personal errands, was also investigating this.
Over the last two years, Pompeo has hosted roughly 2 dozen "Madison Dinners", diplomatic meetings of the mind first used by James Madison to cultivate diplomatic relations and exchange ideas.
These tax-payer funded dinners, however, were mostly aimed at GOP mega donors and members of the conservative media. Only 15% of invitees were diplomats while 30% were US politicians, 25% were members of the media, and the final 30% were members of the corporate world.
Historians note that such frequent hosting of these dinners is not common, nor is it common for these dinners to have so few diplomats involved.
The State Department defended this newest instance of a Trump cabinet member misusing taxpayer money for person gain by stating:
Quote: "a world-class opportunity to discuss the mission of the State Department and the complex foreign policy matters facing our exceptional nation."
"Invited guests have included many foreign diplomats, thought leaders, academics, government leaders at many levels, business leaders, Members of Congress and the media — each of whom has a stake in America and its leadership in the world," Ortagus said.
She added that Pompeo "has benefited greatly from these gatherings as he has gained knowledge listening to his guests from all across the political spectrum and all around the world."
"Foreign policy-focused social gatherings precisely like these are in the finest tradition of diplomatic and American hospitality and grace," Ortagus said. "The secretary looks forward to continuing these Madison Dinners as they are an important component of the execution of his duties as secretary of state."
Guests have included race car drivers, the CEO of Chick Fil A, and Laura Ingram.
It is unknown if the recently fired IG, who had been investigating claims that Pompeo was using staff to run personal errands, was also investigating this.
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