McKinley resigns as Pompeo’s senior adviser: source

WASHINGTON: A US newspaper has stated that the Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s senior adviser Michael McKinley has resigned.

Michael McKinley said that he was leaving the Department to pursue other opportunities wherever they may lead him to.

Michael McKinley’s departure comes as Mike Pompeo and the department have become ensnared in controversy over the Trump administration’s dealings with Ukraine.

According to the US-based newspaper, McKinley has not been directly involved with Ukraine, he has served as a conduit between Pompeo’s office and career staff, which first reported his resignation.

Earlier on Friday, Mike Pompeo was asked about McKinley’s resignation in an interview, he told the reporters that the adviser was leaving because his boss had failed to protect employees.

Michael McKinley is a career diplomat. He has served as Pompeo’s policy adviser since May 2018 following previous posts as ambassador to Brazil, Afghanistan, Colombia, and Peru.