Young Leader Antony Blinken confirmed by Senate as new Secretary of State

The French-American Foundation congratulates 1998 Young Leader Antony Blinken for being confirmed by Senate as Joe Biden’s Secretary of State.

Antony Blinken (born April 16, 1962) is an American government official and diplomat who served as Deputy National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2015 and Deputy Secretary of State from 2015 to 2017 under President Barack Obama. He was confirmed to be the 71st United States Secretary of State by the United States Senate this January 26, 2021 by a vote of 78-22, succeeding Mike Pompeo. The position is the most senior Cabinet position, with the secretary fourth in the line of presidential succession. His confirmation was welcomed by lawmakers on both sides of the aisle as well as the professional association for the US Foreign Service.

During his confirmation hearing last week, Blinken pledged to re-engage with Congress on key foreign policy concerns. He faces the challenges of restoring America’s standing in the world and reinvigorating a department where many felt demoralized under the past administration. He is a strong proponent of turning to international alliances to further U.S. interests. He is expected to start work on Wednesday, January 27 after being sworn in, according to State Department officials.

Since his selection as a Young Leader, Antony Blinken has supported the work of the French-American Foundation by attending events which explored foreign policy, intervention and NATO.

The Young Leaders Program is the Foundation’s flagship program that brings together an incredible group of leaders from every possible background, all in the name of forging bonds between France and the United States. If you want more information about the program, click here.