Secretary of State Mike Pompeo addressed hundreds in Indianapolis Tuesday at the American Legion national convention.
Pompeo’s remarks touched briefly on current foreign policy hotspots like Iran, North Korea and Afghanistan.
But his speech centered on “Americanism,” which the Legion lists as a core pillar. For Pompeo, that meant a political bent, focused on an America that, in his view, should be free from criticism.
“So, I’m honored to come before an audience that isn’t going to get squeamish when I tell you that Americanism is something we must be proud of,” Pompeo says.
When it comes to current matters of state, Pompeo reserved the most time for Afghanistan. He acknowledged that some children now entering college weren’t alive when the U.S. sent troops there.
“We don’t know how these efforts towards peace and reconciliation will end but President Trump has committed to make sure that we get it right,” Pompeo says.
Vice President Mike Pence will address the convention Wednesday.
Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
