Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo joins Columbia University as a fellow where he will teach diplomacy and leadership while bringing conservative viewpoints to an institution recently criticized for its handling of political discourse.
At a Glance
- Pompeo will serve as a fellow at Columbia’s Institute of Global Politics, teaching courses on diplomacy, decision-making, and leadership
- The appointment comes amid pressure on elite universities to incorporate more conservative perspectives
- Pompeo has been a strong supporter of Israel and critic of Columbia’s handling of campus protests
- University officials emphasized the appointment was planned for months and not a response to political pressure
- He joins former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the second former top diplomat at Columbia
Pompeo Brings Conservative Voice to Ivy League
Columbia University has appointed former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as a fellow at its Institute of Global Politics, where he will lead a course focused on diplomacy, decision-making, and organizational leadership. The announcement represents a significant addition of conservative perspective at one of America’s elite academic institutions at a time when many universities face criticism for perceived ideological imbalance.
Columbia’s move comes as many prestigious academic institutions face mounting pressure to incorporate more conservative viewpoints and speakers. Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State during the Trump administration, has maintained a high profile since leaving office while occasionally distancing himself from President Trump’s claims about the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol riot.
Promoting Diverse Perspectives
University officials emphasized that Pompeo’s appointment reflects their commitment to engaging with diverse political viewpoints. The former Secretary of State has expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to shape future leaders and promote substantive dialogue across the political spectrum while defending traditional American values.
Pompeo himself has emphasized his commitment to promoting what he calls “fair, reasoned, and fact-based discourse.” He further stated that “The United States’ greatest risk is that we refuse to teach the next generation about the greatness of our nation.”
Israel Supporter Amid Campus Tensions
The timing of Pompeo’s appointment is particularly notable given the recent controversies at Columbia regarding allegations of antisemitism and the handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus. Pompeo has been a vocal critic of these demonstrations, previously characterizing some protesters as a “violent, pro-Hamas mob” and supporting their arrests.
As Secretary of State, Pompeo was known for his staunch support of Israel, having shifted U.S. policy regarding Israeli settlements and helping to orchestrate the move of the American Embassy to Jerusalem. He also played a key role in mediating the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
Columbia officials have emphasized that Pompeo’s hiring was planned months in advance and not a response to recent political pressures. He becomes the second former Secretary of State to join Columbia, following Hillary Clinton, who established a very different political presence at the institution.
