Mike Pompeo announces he will not run for the 2024 presidential election

This Friday, former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, informed that he will not run for president in 2024 and assured that it has nothing to do with having to compete with his former boss, Donald Trump.

Speculation about a possible Pompeo candidacy was mounting, especially after a series of trips he made over the past two years during several states across the country to campaign and raise money for Republicans. However, the former secretary explained after considering the possibility for several months with his wife Susan, they decided against it.

"[We] have prayerfully come to the conclusion we are not going to join the race in 2024," Pompeo said. "While we care deeply about America and the issues I've been talking about for the past year-and-half – and frankly for decades – matter an awful lot, this isn't our moment," he added.

The former secretary apologized to those he might disappoint with this announcement, but used the moment to make it clear that it did not mean he would not seek the position in the future.

"And to those of you this thrilled, know that I’m 59 years old. There remain many more opportunities for which the timing might be more fitting as presidential leadership becomes even more necessary," he said.

His decision had nothing to do with Trump

During his interview on Special Report, the former secretary was asked if his decision had to do with the fact that entering the race would have meant competing with former President Donald Trump, who was his former commander in chief. But, he clarified that it did not.

"No, not at all. This is a deeply personal decision for Susan and me and our son, Nick and his wife, Rachel," he assured.