New secretary of state
You're referring to the recent appointment of Antony Blinken as the new Secretary of State of the United States!
Antony Blinken was confirmed by the Senate on January 26, 2021, and took office as the 71st United States Secretary of State on January 26, 2021. He succeeded Mike Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State from April 26, 2018, to January 20, 2021.
Here are some key facts about Antony Blinken:
- Background: Blinken was born in 1962 in New York City. He is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia Law School.
- Career: Blinken has had a long and distinguished career in government, diplomacy, and international relations. He served as:
- Deputy Secretary of State (2015-2017)
- Deputy Assistant to the President and National Security Adviser (2013-2015)
- Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs (2009-2013)
- Staff Director for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (2002-2008)
- Policy expertise: Blinken has expertise in European and Asian affairs, as well as in issues related to democracy, human rights, and global governance.
- Priorities: As Secretary of State, Blinken has emphasized the importance of:
- Rebuilding alliances and partnerships
- Addressing global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and economic inequality
- Promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law
- Strengthening the United States' position in the Asia-Pacific region
- Personal life: Blinken is married to Evan Ryan, a former State Department official. They have two children.
As Secretary of State, Antony Blinken will play a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and engaging with international partners to address global challenges.