Ivanka Trump and Mike Pompeo visit WSU tech, hold roundtable discussion

U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Ivanka Trump were in Wichita Thursday to discuss ways to make sure Americans have the best workforce in the world.

Trump, who is an advisor to her father, and Pompeo, who used to represent Kansas's 4th District in Congress, spent the morning at Wichita State University's National Center for Aviation Training.

The president of WSU Tech is a member of the American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which is co-chaired by Ivanka Trump and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.

Before a roundtable discussion, the two were given a tour of the facility, with Ivanka even trying out one of the drilling techniques.

She said low unemployment rates are causing issues in states like Kansas, but that those issues are a good problem to have.

“It's forcing employers like those here today to get creative, to reach onto the sidelines of the economy, to bring people into the work force who may not have otherwise been given a chance and to equip them with the skills they need to secure not only a job but a career for themselves and their family," Trump said.

Secretary Pompeo discussed the importance of a strong economy.

"As Secretary of State, I can tell you that if we replicate this kind of success at home it will pay amazing dividends in America's strength and security around the world," Pompeo said. "Without a robust and successful economy, other nations won't respect us. We won't have them in a place where they want to be our partners. We won't be as successful in keeping Americans safe. It's also the case too that if we get this wrong, we'll be more reliant on countries like China for high tech products. Products that Americans need. If we get this right, we'll be able to sustain the prosperity that funds a strong military and diplomatic corp."

The Kansas Democratic Party had the following to say in response to Trump and Pompeo's statements:

“Nothing Trump’s administration says can erase his broken promises to Kansans,” KDP Chair Vicki Hiatt said. “His tax scam spikes our deficit and will raise taxes on hard working families while giving more handouts to powerful corporations. He’s sabotaged our health care at every turn and, in the Trump economy, only the wealthy and well-connected get ahead. In 2020, voters will hold him accountable.”