White House deputy press spokesman Hogan Gidley Wednesday praised new Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for his "wealth of experience and knowledge" while pointing out he's "near in lockstep" with President Donald Trump on many issues.
"It's so important to have someone in this position who is experienced, who has bipartisan support and can do the job," Gidley told Fox News' "Happening Now."
"He has the president's confidence, near in lock step on the issues. It's vital. In addition, the president nominated someone with equal amounts of experience and a good reputation across party lines. That's Gina Haspel at the CIA. We hope that moves through just like Pompeo did."
Pompeo is "absolutely" up to the task of moving from his position as CIA director to the much larger State Department, said Gidley.
"That's why you saw a lot of bipartisan support for him," Gidley said. "This man has been in Washington D.C. for a long time. Being at the CIA, as the highest levels of security in the world, he is someone that knows how to protect this nation and knowing how to deal with so many other people."
Pompeo will also be at the forefront of making historic deals happen.
"What the president wants, he can help implement that," said Pompeo. "That's what we need at this time in the world."
Even Pompeo's recent trip to North Korea, which was not revealed until he returned, "shows he can keep his mouth shut and do his job," said Gidley. He's got a stellar reputation. He has the gravitas to lead the state department. That is important.
“As soon as he was confirmed, he immediately got on a plane and hit three different stops around the globe. This man hits the ground running because he's prepared and ready to go. That's what we need at this time."
Pompeo has told State Department employees he wants them to get their swagger back, and that's because Trump has instilled respect around the world, said Gidley.
"He can execute what the president wants," said Gidley. "You understand that he can build partners and allies when they do things like strike Syria. Pompeo will be at the forefront of the conversations. He has the gravitas to do it and we're excited about."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
© 2026 Newsmax. All rights reserved.