Never Give an Inch by Mike Pompeo Summary

Never Give an Inch is a memoir by former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, detailing his role in shaping the Trump Administration’s foreign policy. It covers key achievements like pressuring Iran, negotiating with North Korea, strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, and transforming America’s approach to China. Blending geopolitical analysis with personal anecdotes, Pompeo defends the "America First" strategy and shares behind-the-scenes insights into high-stakes diplomatic decisions.

This book is ideal for readers interested in U.S. foreign policy, conservative political strategy, or insider accounts of the Trump Administration. Policymakers, history enthusiasts, and those curious about U.S.-China relations or Middle East diplomacy will find Pompeo’s firsthand perspectives valuable. Fans of political memoirs emphasizing hardline sovereignty and Christian values may also appreciate its tone.

Yes, for readers seeking an unfiltered conservative viewpoint on Trump-era diplomacy. Pompeo provides rare details on events like the Soleimani assassination, critiques of progressive media, and strategies to counter China’s influence. While politically charged, it offers actionable insights into leadership during crises and remains a New York Times bestseller for its provocative stance.

Key themes include:

• America First Diplomacy: Prioritizing U.S. interests in global negotiations.
• China Strategy: Advocating for a harder line against China’s geopolitical ambitions.
• Religious Freedom: Promoting Christian values in foreign policy.
• Countering Iran: Details on covert operations and sanctions.
  Pompeo frames these ideas as essential for national security and moral leadership.

Pompeo describes leading a "generational transformation" in U.S.-China policy, advocating for decoupling from Chinese tech and supply chains. He reveals tensions with Trump, who allegedly found Pompeo "too tough" on China, and critiques the CCP’s human rights record. The book positions China as America’s top long-term threat.

Notable revelations include:

• Trump’s consideration of replacing Mike Pence on the 2020 ticket.
• Humorous exchanges with Kim Jong-un during nuclear talks.
• The planning of Qasem Soleimani’s assassination.
• Criticism of Nikki Haley’s UN ambassadorship as "less important than people think."

He argues that prioritizing U.S. sovereignty over multilateral agreements strengthened global standing. Examples include withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal, relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, and renegotiating trade terms with NATO allies. Pompeo credits this strategy with deterring adversaries and securing bipartisan wins.

Critics argue Pompeo downplays controversies like the January 6 Capitol attack and Trump’s role in it. His dismissal of Jamal Khashoggi as a "political activist" (not a journalist) and praise for leaders like Mohammed bin Salman have drawn backlash. Progressives dispute his portrayal of liberal media as partisan antagonists.

The book highlights his efforts to prioritize religious rights, particularly for Christians, in U.S. diplomacy. He ties this to America’s founding principles and shares instances of advocating for persecuted groups abroad, calling it a moral imperative that strengthens global alliances.

Pompeo emphasizes:

• Resilience: Navigating media scrutiny and partisan investigations.
• Decisiveness: Trusting instinct in high-risk scenarios like the Soleimani strike.
• Loyalty: Balancing principle with allegiance to Trump’s agenda.
  These lessons target aspiring leaders in politics or international relations.

Unlike tell-alls critical of Trump (e.g., John Bolton’s The Room Where It Happened), Pompeo’s account staunchly defends the administration’s policies. It focuses more on foreign policy mechanics than personal drama, aligning closer to ideological manifestos like A Time for Truth by Ted Cruz.

With ongoing U.S.-China tensions, Middle East instability, and debates over America’s global role, Pompeo’s playbook remains a conservative blueprint. His warnings about authoritarian regimes and advocacy for military readiness resonate in current conflicts like the Ukraine war.