Former CIA Chief Mike Pompeo rules out 2024 presidential run

Mike Pompeo, former US Secretary of State and Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) announced on Friday evening that he would not run for President of the United States in 2024, putting to rest speculation that he would run against former US President Donald Trump, with whom he worked, according to The Hill.

“Susan and I have concluded, after much consideration and prayer, that I will not present myself as a candidate to become President of the United States in the 2024 election,” Pompeo announced taking to Twitter.

He claimed that he and his wife decided that the best roles they could play were those of parents, Sunday school teachers, business owners, and civic leaders.

“This nation has given me more than I deserve – unimaginable opportunities. My duty to return that blessing to others remains and with His help, I will fulfil that obligation,” Pompeo announced in his statement which he also posted on Twitter.

According to the Hill, Pompeo stated that finding a way to compete against former US President Donald Trump and other Republicans, even when Trump leads by wide margins in most polls, did not factor into his decision.

“It is simplest, and most accurate, to say that this decision is personal. The time is not right for me and my family. At each stage of my public service – as a soldier, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and then as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and as your Secretary of State – I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to advance America in a way that fits the time and the moment. This is not that time or that moment for me to seek elected office again,” the statement of former CIA Chief Mike Pompeo read.

Pompeo went on to say that those who approached him and said they were praying for him to run, as well as those who told him, “You’d be foolish to run,” have humbled him. According to The Hill, he also left open the possibility of running for president one day.