Okay, I am never one to pat my own back, but here at Political Flare we were the first to note that former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is shedding the pounds. At first many thought he was just losing some weight, getting his fitness on, perhaps to run for president in 2024. But Pompeo continues to lose weight and let’s be real, he doesn’t even look like himself anymore.

We’ve seen a lot of Pompeo. He was a regular fixture on television screens around the world at the beginning of the year as Donald Trump’s turbulent tenure as the 45th president drew to an end (and thank god for that).

But just eleven months on, one of Trump’s closest aides is almost unrecognizable as rumors circulate he himself is planning to run for presidency.

Pompeo has triggered a huge social media response following his appearance on Fox News this week. The 57-year-old’s considerable weight loss left many needing a double take to believe it was actually him.

And let’s be real, Pompeo is looking THIN. My opinion and my opinion only, is that he doesn’t even look healthy. I don’t think he looks good…the weight loss has aged him. As a heavier man, he was able to wear it well. In fact, one of the reasons Trump hired him is because of his Tony Soprano tough-guy looks.

Twitter was also shocked and had some thoughts:

What, what the hell, is that Pompeo? I didn’t even recognize him.

— Patrick Chovanec (@prchovanec) November 14, 2021

I didn't realize THAT was Pompeo. He's lost weight but he actually looks older. I'm betting he isn't well.

— christina m. brooks (@runewarrior) November 14, 2021

Omg mike pompeo is melting, how did he get so small? https://t.co/NTmjUSX1Xj

— Molly Jong-Fast (@MollyJongFast) November 14, 2021

No, he is no longer eating and boozing at the government trough, and has to pay for his own steak and scotch.

— Howard Wiseman (@HowSmart) November 14, 2021

Not only has pompeo lost loads of weight in recent pics now he's got a mask on pic.twitter.com/KLuiFsYQdx

— Shane McMinn author since 2011 🇬🇧 in 🇨🇦 (@shane_mcminn) November 13, 2021

What the hell happened to Mike Pompeo??? I get trying to lose weight but he looks kinda unhealthy, is he okay?

— Darien Gordon (He/Him) (@darien_gordon_) November 14, 2021

OMG look at Mike Pompeo's weight loss surgery and nosejob, lol! He thinks he's making himself presidential (and less ethnic!) But even if he's no longer a gluttonous fat fuck, he's still a lying, corrupt, christo-fascist pile of trash, who will never be president. #StomachBypass https://t.co/UB9HkkPgT6

— The 420 Honey™ (@the420Honey) November 14, 2021

Look at this neck? We are to believe this is Pompeo? Are they even trying anymore? I just thought the other day, Wow he really lost a lot of weight!! Now I see it isn't even Pompeo but a thinner man with a mask on!!! pic.twitter.com/C8FmFImR0Y

— Angela Currin (@AngelSCU) November 9, 2021

OK… What's up with Pompeo?

Massive weight loss, sick or actor?

When people lose a lot of weight, it'll change their entire appearance, and I'm not one to jump to conclusions.

Curious what everyone thinks. 🤔 https://t.co/x1BdiVlh09

— 💫Queen of Seventeen 1️⃣7️⃣🥃❤️🇺🇲✝️ (@AreYouAwaQe) November 7, 2021

Probably bc he is not shoving down McDonalds quarter pounders in the oval office w Trump anymore. Seriously – the white house kitchen staff can make just about anything 24/7, and Trump was a McDonalds addict. There is NOTHING right about that guy. https://t.co/Xg1W6B9ezc

— Sweeper1966 (@sweeper1966) November 14, 2021

Some people even wondered if Pompeo got weight loss surgery:

Looks like Mike Pompeo went out and got gastric bypass surgery which is the surest sign he plans on running for president. pic.twitter.com/vwgX5YXWrR

— 🦃Derek 🦃 (@i__m__kered) October 20, 2021

Pompeo has lost a lot of weight. He must have gotten gastric bypass surgery or something. That's a lot of weight to lose in 10 mos. just dieting. Even though he lost a lot of weight he still is a lying, corrupt, asshole.

— Rage Against the Machine! (@putmygamefaceon) November 13, 2021

So, Mike Pompeo. Gastric bypass, gastric sleeve or very serious health condition? I have no idea. I’m just asking for thoughts on the matter. Pompeo has lost AT LEAST 100 pounds in the last year.

— mylittlecorner (@mylittlecorne11) November 14, 2021

Pompeo is running for something. Whether it's senator or president — nothing else could get him to drop this much weight. (This includes the possibility of gastric bi-pass, gastric sleeve or the gastric band – which is what NJ former Gov Chris Cristie failed at). https://t.co/ocCZYMGQ7B

— Jesse Elin Browne Vaxxed & Boosted! (@effiedog) September 16, 2021

Is @mikepompeo sick or did he have gastric bypass or something? Or maybe the stress of him supporting a traitor as a president is getting to him? Or the guilt he feels over drinking a $4,000 bottle of liquor?

— Mrs. Friendly (@mrs_friendly) September 16, 2021

I think Pompeo has lost over 50 pounds. My guess is he had gastric bypass, like Chris Christie did, thinking people would hate him less if he weighed less

— BarbaraJMay3 (@StPaulgirl3) August 14, 2021

Mike Pompeo is a shadow of his former self.

Did he get a gastric bypass?

— Rev P. Wood (@DQuidic) October 21, 2021