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Pompeo scorns reporter for asking about Ukraine

Posted at 4:45 PM, Jan 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-01-24 19:49:39-05

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo conducted an interview with National Public Radio on Friday, and when the conversation on the United States' policy in Iran switched to Ukraine, he complained about the questions.

Transcripts provided by NPR show that Pompeo criticized NPR for bringing up Ukraine in the interview after discussing Iran.

"I agreed to come on your show today to talk about Iran.," Pompeo said.

After the interview, Pompeo reportedly berated the reporter for asking about Ukraine.

"Immediately after the questions on Ukraine, the interview concluded. Pompeo stood, leaned in and silently glared at (reporter Mary Louise) Kelly for several seconds before leaving the room," NPR's article said.

"A few moments later, an aide asked Kelly to follow her into Pompeo's private living room at the State Department without a recorder. The aide did not say the ensuing exchange would be off the record.

"Inside the room, Pompeo shouted his displeasure at being questioned about Ukraine. He used repeated expletives, according to Kelly, and asked, 'Do you think Americans care about Ukraine?' He then said, "People will hear about this.'"

Pompeo was asked whether the State Department owes former Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch an apology.

"You know, I agreed to come on your show today to talk about Iran. That's what I intend to do.," Pompeo said, not directly answering the question posed by Kelly.

To read the full interview, click here .