The current Secretary of State is Antony Blinken, confirmed on January 26, 2021. The Secretary is appointed by the President and is tasked with executing the President’s foreign policies.
Duties and Salary
- The Secretary supervises the Foreign Service and immigration policy.
- Administers the Department of State.
- Advises the President on appointing diplomats.
- Can terminate treaties.
- Communicates issues to Congress.
The Secretary of State earns $221,400 per year.
Historical Context and Line of Succession
- The Department of State was formed in 1789.
- The Secretary of State is fourth in line to the presidency.
- Only two foreign-born citizens served as Secretary of State: Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright.
In each state, duties assigned to the Secretary of State can vary. Typically, the role includes:
- Keeping state records.
- Serving as the election official.
- Regulating notaries public.
- Maintaining the state seal.
The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS Secretary) advises the president on health issues and is a member of the cabinet.
- State Secretaries are crucial figures in running elections and can influence election outcomes.
- The Democratic Association of Secretaries of State and its Republican counterpart express differing priorities for election integrity and administration.
The Secretary of State negotiates with other nations and acts as the president’s foreign representative, but does not set foreign policy.
Legacy and Influence
Some Secretaries of State, such as James Baker and Hillary Clinton, have been noted for their strong people skills, which assist in negotiations and resolving conflicts.