Posted on 02/12/2021 5:55:02 PM PST by sockmonkey
High-powered guests at a controversial dinner series hosted by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were treated to custom-made gifts that cost taxpayers more than $10,000, according to documents obtained by an independent watchdog this week.
Pompeo spent a total of $10,433 on 400 engraved pens made in China, embossed with the emblem of the Madison Dinners, an event series that raised concerns within the State Department inspector general’s office over its questionable diplomatic value and political overtones.
The Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a liberal-leaning government watchdog also known as CREW, obtained documents on the customized gifts through a Freedom of Information Act Request.
During his tenure as secretary of state, Pompeo emphasized a tough approach to China as an organizing principle for former President Donald Trump’s administration.
Pompeo’s last tweet on his personal Twitter account continues on this theme, asking how any American would “want taxpayer dollars to be funneled to the CCP,” referring to the Chinese Communist Party. Pompeo joined the Hudson Institute, a think tank, after leaving office.
In another recent tweet, Pompeo shared an article describing members of Congress “getting to know 2024 hopefuls early,” seemingly acknowledging long-held suspicions that the former Kansas congressman and CIA director harbors presidential ambitions.
(Excerpt) Read more at kansascity.com ...
The ankle biters going after Pompeo is actually a positive for him.
But Hunter Biden and Joe Biden being bought and paid for by China is not worth discussing?
I had a pen that cost $200. Of course it was from Tiffany's.
I’m no Pompeo fan, but a $26 pen is not outrageous.
How much did Nancy spend on the custom gold engraved pens used to impeach Trump?
Twice
Oh hell, Pelosi spends that on booze and chocolate strawberries for her plane.
*** I had a pen that cost $200. Of course it was from Tiffany’s. ***
I assume you didn’t charge he taxpayers for it? Lot of whataboutery on this thread.
*** How much did Nancy spend on the custom gold engraved pens used to impeach Trump? ***
*** Oh hell, Pelosi spends that on booze and chocolate strawberries for her plane. ***
“Whataboutism” is a rhetorical manoeuvre often used by those seeking to avoid the topic at hand, and can frequently be seen in the comments section of articles posted on social media
I don’t think $26 for a pen is extravagant. Our annual convention works out to about the same for about $500 people.
What is your point? He should not give out pens? He should not get pens from China? He should not give out $25 pens?
I have to agree with you. Gifts purchased from taxpayer funds are bad, no matter how much is spent or where the gifts are manufactured. I would prefer that no federal agency be able to purchase anything that is given away. Seems like they could find some non-profit to pay for stuff like that—and if not, then it’s definitely not worth the taxpayers’ money.
“I’m no Pompeo fan...”
Why would anyone not be a Pompeo fan?
Nancy had souvenir pens for the first impeachment farce with her name on them. How’s that for solemn. They were about $20 each and I believe there were 100....but I bet a lot more.
I am still amazed these press ‘people’ are not interested in the millions Michelle Ostompey-foot spent of our hard earned taxpayer funds on her useless trips abroad.
How do you know a liberal is lying?
He opens his mouth and any sound comes out!
The pens Obama used cost $100 each. Trump started to use them but said that wrote cr**** and went for the $2 pen.
“Gifts purchased from taxpayer funds are bad, no matter how much is spent or where the gifts are manufactured.”
That horse left the barn nearly 30 trillion dollars ago.
Now, if there is a serious effort afoot to stop profligate spending by the federal government, sign me up right after I get my $2000 government check.
By the way, which federal official is leading the effort to cut back on bribes to voters?
Guess they’re anticipating “Pompeo 2024”.
“I’m no Pompeo fan, but a $26 pen is not outrageous.”
I’m no fan of the man. I hear he’s now with the Hudson Institute.
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