Fox News announced today that it has hired Mike Pompeo, the unethical former Trump secretary of state, as a paid contributor. Pompeo is already set to violate one of the network’s supposed policies by fundraising for Republicans while simultaneously working for the purported news organization. 

Fox News’ press release stated that Pompeo will “offer analysis across all FOX News Media platforms, including FNC and FOX Business Network’s (FBN) daytime and primetime programming.” Fox News CEO Suzanne Scott claimed that “Pompeo is one of America’s most recognized and respected voices on foreign policy and national security issues.” 

The New York Times wrote in a January 19 article that Pompeo’s “turbulent tenure is characterized by investigations into his leadership and ethics” and he “has been tagged by a number of officials and analysts with the dubious distinction of the worst secretary of state in American history.” 

Pompeo is set to be the keynote speaker at an April 17 fundraising dinner for the Republican Party of Palm Beach County’s Lincoln Day Dinner at former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida. The Fox News contributor will appear with Florida Republican officials, including Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott and Reps. Byron Donalds and Brian Mast. 

Tickets to the event are $425, with sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. 

Fox News claimed in 2018 that it “does not condone any talent participating in campaign events,” but the network has inconsistently enforced its purported policy over the years. 

Media Matters previously documented numerous Fox News personalities who have done fundraising events for Republican Party organizations while working for the network. In many cases, Fox employees received money for their efforts. Fox News personalities have also helped enrich Trump by speaking at his properties. 

Pompeo will be working for the network while he also considers a run for the presidency in 2024. Fox News has been a staging ground for numerous potential candidates for office, including newly hired Fox News commentator Lara Trump.

Update (4/9/21): Politico reported yesterday that Pompeo is scheduled to attend a Republican National Committee donor retreat in Florida this weekend. Part of the conference will be held at Mar-a-Lago. Fox News today reported on Pompeo’s attendance but did not note that he’s employed by the network. 

Update (4/12/21): CNN and Politico reported that Pompeo did not speak at the RNC gathering this past weekend as originally scheduled.