Sitting Secretary of State Speaks... Controversy Continues at US Republican National Convention (Comprehensive)

Pompeo's Recorded Virtual Support Speech in Israel... "Leading Bold Initiatives Worldwide"
Parliament: "Minister Violated Hatch Act"... Investigating Political Activity
First Lady's Second Son and Daughter Appear at 'Trump Family Gathering'
Trump's Pardon 'Surprise Event' Appearance

Tiffany Trump, daughter of U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the Republican National Convention.
[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The U.S. Republican National Convention, now in its second day, has been embroiled in controversy even before the event began. The lineup of speakers, composed of President Donald Trump's family and government officials, has drawn criticism. Mike Pompeo, the Secretary of State, who sparked controversy by delivering a supportive speech while in office, is now facing a congressional investigation.

According to local media such as The New York Times (NYT) on the 25th (local time), Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was visiting Israel, delivered a pro-Trump speech via video conference.

Pompeo praised, "The President has led bold initiatives almost everywhere around the world while fulfilling his duty to keep us safe and fully maintain freedom," citing North Korea policy as a success story. He said, "Regarding North Korea, the President lowered tensions and, despite all difficulties, brought the North Korean leadership to the negotiating table," adding, "There have been no nuclear tests or long-range missile tests."

NYT evaluated that Pompeo highlighted the normalization of diplomatic relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, one of Trump's few foreign policy achievements, in his speech.

However, media attention on Pompeo focuses more on the act of delivering the speech rather than its content. It is unprecedented for a sitting Secretary of State to speak at the convention, and it violates legal regulations prohibiting government officials from engaging in political activities.

NYT reported, "According to the State Department guidance from December 2019, employees are not allowed to speak about partisan candidates, parties, or partisan groups." NBC also reported that criticism is pouring in among U.S. diplomats, who are prohibited from political involvement, regarding Pompeo's decision.

Congress has launched an investigation into Pompeo's speech at the convention. Joaquin Castro, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, warned in a letter sent to Steve Biegun, Deputy Secretary of State, that "Pompeo's speech may violate the Hatch Act." The Hatch Act prohibits federal government employees from engaging in political activities while in office.

Castro added, "(Pompeo's speech) is very special and unprecedented."

Particularly controversial is Pompeo's claim that he spoke in a personal capacity to explain his position. Pompeo announced the speech on his personal Twitter account in addition to his official Twitter. A State Department official also stated, "Pompeo said he would speak at the convention in a personal capacity."

NYT countered Pompeo's statement by pointing out that, in addition to the official State Department guidelines, Pompeo himself sent a telegram to employees stating, "Partisan activities are prohibited even during employees' personal time." Some media outlets assessed that Pompeo bet that, even if he broke State Department conventions, the political benefits would outweigh the drawbacks.

Besides Pompeo, the lineup of speakers includes First Lady Melania Trump, as well as family members such as the second son Eric Trump and the daughter Tiffany Trump.

Melania Trump will deliver her speech in the newly renovated and controversial White House Rose Garden. Peter Navarro, Director of the White House Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, defended her in an interview with MSNBC, saying, "Melania Trump is a beautiful and elegant modern-day Jacqueline Kennedy," and "She will probably deliver a strong message to the American people." Among the convention speakers was also a high school student, drawing attention. Nicholas Sandmann was previously criticized as a white supremacist after a widely circulated image showed him wearing a 'Make America Great Again' hat, President Trump's previous campaign slogan, while facing Native American activists earlier this year.

President Trump, who took the stage in person on the first day of the convention, appeared via video on this day. Trump staged a surprise show displaying the pardon of John Fonder, the founder of the nonprofit organization 'Hope for Prisoners,' who was convicted of bank robbery. U.S. media reported that this is the first pardon granted during the convention.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.