What Does the Secretary of State Do?
The secretary of state is the head of the U.S. Department of State, responsible for managing the country’s foreign affairs and relations with other nations. The role is often called being the nation’s chief diplomat. The secretary of state plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing U.S. foreign policy. This position involves negotiating treaties and agreements with foreign countries, representing the United States in international organizations, and advising the president on foreign policy matters. The secretary of state is also responsible for overseeing the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, all of the nation’s embassies and consular offices, as well as offices related to diplomatic security, foreign intelligence, and international narcotics control.
The secretary of state is chosen by the president and must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. The role of the secretary of state has evolved over time, adapting to the changing dynamics of global politics. Established in 1789, the Department of State is the oldest federal department, serving as the president’s principal means of conducting treaty negotiations and forging international agreements. The secretary of state’s influence extends beyond diplomacy, as they often play a key role in shaping the administration’s foreign policy legacy.
The high profile nature of the post is obvious in looking at those who have held the role, which is a who’s who of American political leaders, including:
- Thomas Jefferson (1790–93)
- John Marshall (1800–01)
- James Madison (1801–09)
- John Quincy Adams (1817–25)
- Martin Van Buren (1829–31)
- Daniel Webster (twice: 1841–43 and 1850–52)
- William Jennings Bryan (1913–15)
- John Foster Dulles (1953–59)
- Henry Kissinger (1973–77)
- Colin Powell (2001–05)
- Hillary Clinton (2009–13)
The secretary of state’s actions can have significant global implications. For instance, Antony Blinken, the secretary of state for Pres. Joe Biden was involved in addressing major international issues including the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.