CIA chief Mike Pompeo sworn in as new US Secretary of State

Mike Pompeo was today sworn in as the Secretary of State, shortly after the Senate confirmed the former CIA Director's nomination as America's top diplomat at a crucial time when the US is involved in several high stakes negotiations around the world.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito administered the oath to Pompeo in the West Conference Room of the Supreme Court, State Department Spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Immediately after the swearing in ceremony, the US State Department announced that Pompeo, America's 70th Secretary of State, will be travelling to Brussels, Riyadh, Jerusalem, and Amman from April 26 to April 30.

Earlier in the day, Pompeo, 54, was confirmed by the Senate by 57-42 votes. He replaced Rex Tillerson, who was fired by President Donald Trump last month.

Pompeo's nomination met with stiff resistance from Democrats, including the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who voiced "lingering concerns" about Pompeo in remarks ahead of the vote and hit back against Republicans who have characterised Democratic opposition as a partisan political tactic.

Trump, while congratulating Pompeo, said, "Having a patriot of Mike's immense talent, energy, and intellect leading the Department of State will be an incredible asset for our country at this critical time in history."