"Transition to the Next Trump Administration Will Take Place" Mentioned
Trump and Republicans Join in Contesting Election Results
Potential Chaos in U.S. Foreign and Security Policy During Regime Change
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Mike Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State, sparked controversy by stating that the transition will proceed with President Donald Trump's second-term administration, not with President-elect Joe Biden's team.
On the 10th (local time), during a press conference held at the State Department, Secretary Pompeo responded to the question, "Will the State Department cooperate with the transition to the Biden administration?" by saying, "The transition to the second Trump administration will proceed smoothly."
Secretary Pompeo added, "All votes are being counted. When all procedures are completed, the electors will be confirmed. This is clearly explained in the Constitution."
He also emphasized, "The whole world must have full confidence that the State Department is currently functioning, succeeding today, and will succeed with the president who will be re-inaugurated on January 20 next year, through the necessary transition."
Secretary Pompeo further stated, "I am confident that the U.S. government will do everything necessary to continue performing national security functions."
His remarks on this day are interpreted as an intention to support President Trump's refusal to accept the election results rather than preparing for the transition to the next administration.
It is also notable that Pompeo's remarks came at a time when President-elect Biden had begun exchanges with foreign leaders, having spoken with the leaders of Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, and Germany.
Pompeo actively defended President Trump and disregarded the U.S. stance on fair elections emphasized to other countries. When asked, "Does Trump's refusal to accept the election results undermine the State Department's commitment to free and fair elections worldwide?" he dismissed the question as "nonsense."
The U.S. online media Axios criticized Secretary Pompeo for using the phrase "legally valid votes," appearing to align with the frame that President Trump's mail-in votes were fraudulent.
Not only President Trump but also the Republican Party have repeatedly expressed negative views about accepting the election results. Pompeo's stance implies that the administration will not easily acknowledge the election outcome. The General Services Administration, responsible for supporting the transition team of the next administration, has also not recognized President-elect Biden and is delaying support.
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