Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love

This book is a masterclass in American resilience and principled leadership. Mike Pompeo provides a riveting look at his unique trajectory from being first in his class at West Point to leading both the CIA and the State Department. I was particularly moved by the way he weaves his abiding faith in God into the high-stakes world of international diplomacy. The writing is incredibly punchy and avoids the typical gossip-heavy filler you see in most political memoirs today. His determination in the face of global challenges, especially regarding the CCP, shows why he remained such a pivotal figure for all four years of the administration. Truth is, we need more leaders who aren't afraid to put American interests first without making apologies for it. It is an authentic, well-written account that left me feeling optimistic about the future of our great nation.

After hearing so many conflicting reports about the Trump era, I wanted to get the perspective of someone who was actually in the room. Mike Pompeo delivers a narrative that is both gritty and grounded in his Wichita roots and business background. He describes his dealings with world leaders with a level of clarity that makes you feel like you are sitting right there in the meeting. Not gonna lie, the section on how the CCP influences American industries and universities—specifically the bit about MIT—was a wake-up call for me. He comes across as a true patriot who worked tirelessly to bring manufacturing jobs back home while maintaining a tough stance on Russia. This isn't just a political book; it’s a testament to the power of staying true to your principles regardless of the pressure from the beltway elites.

Not what I expected from a standard political autobiography! Pompeo manages to be both deeply personal and globally significant in his storytelling. The intro by his son sets a heartfelt tone that carries through his descriptions of balancing family life with the demands of being the nation's top diplomat. I was fascinated by the detailed accounting of his time as CIA Director, a role he handled with a level of professionalism that is rare in Washington. He provides a global review of the COVID crisis and the Southern Border that provides context you won't find on the evening news. The book ends with a summary of the most dangerous threats facing America, and his number one pick might actually surprise a lot of people. It is a brilliant, fast-paced read that reinforces why he is considered such a class act by those who worked with him.

Wow, what a refreshing and unapologetic look at the inner workings of our government. Mike Pompeo is a true patriot, and his commitment to American principles shines through every page of this memoir. I appreciated the way he discussed the importance of faith and how it guided his decision-making during some of the most tense moments in recent history. The book is filled with exceptional photos that really help bring the stories of his travels to life. Frankly, the way he handled the CCP's aggression and the sanctions he put in place show a level of backbone that we are sorely missing today. It is an easy read that doesn't get bogged down in bureaucratic jargon, focusing instead on the actual results achieved. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to see the USA remain a leader on the world stage.

Picked this up on a whim and I couldn't put it down. Pompeo is a man of strong faith and even stronger convictions, which makes for a very compelling narrative. He doesn't hold back when talking about the 'mean, nasty world' of international politics, but he does so without resorting to the petty slander that ruins most political books. The level of detail he provides regarding North Korea and the Abraham Accords is genuinely impressive. He explains the Trump administration's relationship with Putin in a way that provides much-needed nuance compared to the usual headlines. It’s a very authentic account from the only senior staff member to survive all four years of the administration. Whether you love him or hate him, you have to respect the work ethic and the intelligence he brought to the job every single day.

Ever wonder what it’s actually like to negotiate with some of the world’s most difficult regimes? Pompeo’s account is surprisingly entertaining and provides valuable historical insights that the mainstream media often ignores. I found the sections detailing his strategy on limiting TikTok and addressing the treatment of Uyghur people in Xinjiang to be particularly eye-opening and thorough. While I don't agree with every single policy decision mentioned, the author’s honesty and lack of slander toward his colleagues were refreshing. The pace of the book is quick, making it easy to digest complex national security issues in just a few sittings. My only minor gripe is that I wanted a bit more detail on his internal discussions regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for any student of politics or history.

Finally got around to reading this, and it’s a very insightful look at national security from a unique dual perspective. Having been both the head of the CIA and the Secretary of State, Pompeo has a grasp of the 'deep state' and foreign policy that few others can match. The book is very well-written and focuses heavily on the actual mechanics of government rather than just settling scores. I found the section on the COVID-19 origins particularly interesting, as he provides a chronological look at what the administration knew and when they knew it. To be fair, he can be a bit dismissive of his critics at times, and the title 'Never Give an Inch' definitely reflects his stubborn streak. Still, his dedication to the country and his brilliant leadership style are evident throughout. Definitely worth a read for the historical value alone.

To be fair, I approached this book with a healthy dose of skepticism because my own politics don't usually align with Pompeo's. He is clearly a brilliant leader with an impressive resume, and the book is undeniably well-written and to the point. However, I struggled with the internal logic regarding our alliances in the Middle East. He is very hard on Iran, which is understandable, but seems to give Saudi Arabia a total pass despite their own questionable record. He states he 'Never Gives an Inch,' but in a globalized world, a certain amount of compromise is usually necessary for long-term stability. The chapter criticizing the Teacher's Union felt a bit out of place in a book primarily focused on foreign policy. It is an insightful read if you want to understand the 'America First' mindset, but it didn't quite win me over on every front.

Personally, I found this book to be a bit of a contradiction. On one hand, the author is clearly a brilliant guy with an incredible background as a West Point graduate and Harvard lawyer. His insights into the CCP's influence on American industries are eye-opening and deeply concerning. On the other hand, the tone can be somewhat arrogant, and he rarely admits to any mistakes or missteps during his tenure. He talks about the need for strength, which I agree with, but he seems to equate any form of diplomacy or compromise with weakness. The writing is to the point and moves quickly, which I appreciated. However, I needed a bit more explanation on why we continue to be so close with certain regimes while being so aggressive toward others. It’s an interesting first-hand account, but it feels like a campaign book for his next political move.

Look, I really wanted to love this book, and I even wrote a great review of it initially, but my opinion has soured completely. It turns out Mike Pompeo is just another flipped RINO who cares more about his standing with the DC establishment than the people he served. Seeing him go on Fox News and suggest that Trump should be prosecuted over the Mar-a-Lago documents was the final straw for me. He knows the President has the power to declassify, yet he chose to parrot democrat propaganda to stay relevant. He claims to be a snake in the grass now, and it makes the 'patriotism' in this book feel manufactured. While the writing style is fine, I can't recommend a book by someone who turns on the very administration that gave him his platform. Don't waste your time on this one if you value loyalty.