WASHINGTON — The Senate has narrowly confirmed Mike Pompeo to be secretary of state.
- Replaces Rex Tillerson who was fired in early March
- Won 57-42, one of the narrowest margins in recent history
- Leaves his position as CIA director
The outgoing CIA director secured support from 57 senators, with 42 voting no and one senator absent. It's one of the slimmest margins for the job in recent history. Every past nominee since at least the Carter administration has received 85 or more yes votes, with the exception of Trump's first secretary of state, Rex Tillerson. He got 56 yes votes.
Pompeo is a former Republican congressman from Kansas. He is expected to be sworn in almost immediately so he can begin serving as top diplomat.
Pompeo has been deeply engaged in the administration's efforts on North Korea and recently traveled to Pyongyang.
Pompeo's bid to become the nation's top diplomat was in the hands of a few senators, but received a boost Monday when two Democrats, Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana, announced their support.
This is a developing story. Stay with Spectrum News for updates as they become available.