Multiculturalism “just isn't who America is,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned on his final full day on the State Division, a curious messa
Multiculturalism “just isn’t who America is,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned on his final full day on the State Division, a curious message from a diplomat whose personal ancestors had been immigrants from Italy, and one which ran counter to america’ long-held pleasure in being a melting pot of cultures.
In a publish on Twitter, Mr. Pompeo, who has overseen a State Division the place diplomats of colour have been ignored, handed over or in any other case pressured to resign, additionally decried what he described as a sop to political correctness that he mentioned “factors in a single route — authoritarianism.”
“Wokeism, multiculturalism, all of the -isms — they’re not who America is,” Mr. Pompeo wrote. “They distort our wonderful founding and what this nation is all about. Our enemies stoke these divisions as a result of they know they make us weaker.”
The tweet infuriated American diplomats overseas and in america who described it as a last insult by an administration that has promoted way more white male Overseas Service Officers than ladies or folks of colour. Black and Hispanic diplomats every make up eight % of the Overseas Service, and Asians account for 7 %, in accordance with State Division information from March, the newest obtainable.
Mr. Pompeo’s publish was significantly notable in that it got here the day earlier than Kamala Harris will probably be inaugurated as the primary lady of colour to carry the workplace of vp.
“Discuss not studying the room,” mentioned Lewis A. Lukens, the previous deputy ambassador in London, responding to Mr. Pompeo’s publish on Twitter.
Mr. Pompeo’s remarks could have been aimed toward political conservatives he hopes to win over in future campaigns for workplace, together with, presumably, a bid the presidency in 2024. It could even be a last dig on the 1619 Venture, a New York Occasions venture that reframes American historical past across the penalties of slavery and the contributions of Black People, which Mr. Pompeo has criticized repeatedly.