Trump welcomes Macron; panel backs Pompeo

NEW YORK (FOX5NY.COM) - Mike Pompeo got the backing he needs from the Senate foreign relations committee with an approval vote along party line. The full Senate will likely confirm the CIA director as the next secretary of state sometime this week.

It all came down to Sen. Rand Paul, who ended up endorsing Pompeo at the last minute. He told Fox News that he changed his mind after the president called and gave him what he described as "assurances."

"I spoke to the president several times. The president reiterated that we have been in war in too many places for too long," Paul said. "Over time, I am coming to believe that Director Pompeo does share that vision."

Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and the two first ladies had a private dinner at Mount Vernon, the riverside home of George Washington. The leaders will have much to discuss during the first state visit of the Trump presidency.

The Iran nuclear deal will be on the agenda. Trump said he will decide whether the United States will remain part of the agreement by May 12—something Macron made clear he would like to see. Macron told Fox News Sunday that the agreement is not perfect but he doesn't see a better option.

"The president has been very clear about the dislike he has for this deal and how he wants to make sure that we get something better," White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said.

North Korea and Syria are sure to be discussed when Macron addresses Congress on Wednesday.

"This is a great honor and I think a very important state visit given the moment of our current environment," Macron said.