Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo joins Columbia University as a fellow, bringing conservative perspectives to an elite institution that has recently faced accusations of antisemitism on campus.
Quick Takes
- Columbia University appointed Mike Pompeo to lead a course on diplomacy, decision-making, and organizational leadership
- The appointment addresses calls for more ideological diversity at elite academic institutions
- Pompeo will serve as a fellow at Columbia’s Institute of Global Politics
- His selection comes amid controversies at Columbia, including allegations of antisemitism
- Pompeo has been a strong supporter of Israel and has criticized Columbia protesters as a “violent, pro-Hamas mob”
Conservative Voice in Liberal Academia
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 on diplomacy, decision-making, and organizational leadership. The appointment represents a significant move by one of America’s most prestigious universities to broaden ideological diversity on campus. Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State during the Trump administration, will bring his extensive foreign policy experience to students at a time when elite academic institutions face increasing criticism for their perceived liberal bias.
Keren Yarhi-Milo, dean of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, emphasized that the appointment reflects the university’s commitment to engaging with diverse viewpoints. Columbia officials stated that Pompeo’s hiring had been planned for months and was not a response to political pressure. However, the timing is noteworthy as universities nationwide face scrutiny over their handling of political discourse, particularly regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict that has sparked protests on many campuses.
Addressing Campus Controversy
Pompeo’s appointment comes at a particularly contentious time for Columbia, which has been at the center of debates about antisemitism and free speech following pro-Palestinian protests on campus. As a strong supporter of Israel who shifted US policy on Israeli settlements during his tenure, Pompeo represents a sharp contrast to the views expressed by many campus activists. He has previously criticized Columbia protesters as a “violent, pro-Hamas mob” and supported their arrests, taking a hard stance on an issue that has divided many academic communities.
“The Academy cannot be an ivory tower. We should engage with the world because we learn a lot from engaging with practitioners with differing positions and ideologies who also ultimately can learn from us.” – Source
The former Secretary of State has expressed enthusiasm for his new role, emphasizing the importance of “fair, reasoned, and fact-based discourse” in academic settings. Pompeo joins former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as the second top US diplomat to hold a position at Columbia, creating an unusual bipartisan representation at the university. His diplomatic achievements include moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and helping broker the Abraham Accords between Israel and several Arab nations.
Championing American Values
In accepting the position, Pompeo highlighted his desire to defend traditional American values and educate the next generation about what he describes as “the greatness of our nation.” This mission aligns with broader conservative efforts to counter what many on the right perceive as a leftward shift in higher education. Pompeo has positioned himself as someone who can promote dialogue across the political spectrum while standing firm on core principles and American exceptionalism.
“I am thrilled to join the Institute and to provide a unique voice defending traditional American values and the Founders’ vision for our great nation, alongside the necessity to support our allies across the world” – Source
While Pompeo was a close ally of former President Trump during his administration, he has since distanced himself from Trump’s claims about the 2020 election and the January 6 Capitol riot. Reports indicate that Trump has soured on his former Secretary of State, recently denying him a security detail. Despite this apparent rift with the former president, Pompeo continues to advocate for conservative policies and values in his public engagements and now through this academic appointment that will shape future generations of American leaders.
Sources:
- Columbia University hires former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to teach diplomacy course: report
- Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to join Columbia University
