Pompeo invites hundreds to indoor holiday parties after subordinates are warned against hosting ‘non-mission critical events’

The Dec. 15 event is for the families of officials serving in embassies and consulates abroad that don’t accommodate spouses or children, such as in Pakistan, Iraq and Cuba. In past years, more than 200 people have attended and diplomats have flown in to attend, though the spokesman said he doesn’t have any indications yet that anyone will be coming from abroad this year.

Two other holiday parties in the coming days have also raised safety concerns at the department given their size. On Dec. 16, Pompeo will host a reception for the Washington Diplomatic Corps at the State Department. Invites have gone out to about 180 foreign ambassadors, who are allowed to bring spouses, officials said.

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