Antony Blinken facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Antony Blinken
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Official portrait, 2021
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| 71st United States Secretary of State | |
| In office January 26, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Deputy |
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| Preceded by | Mike Pompeo |
| Succeeded by | Marco Rubio |
| 18th United States Deputy Secretary of State | |
| In office January 9, 2015 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | William J. Burns |
| Succeeded by | John Sullivan |
| 26th United States Deputy National Security Advisor | |
| In office January 20, 2013 – January 9, 2015 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Leader | Susan Rice |
| Preceded by | Denis McDonough |
| Succeeded by | Avril Haines |
| National Security Advisor to the Vice President | |
| In office January 20, 2009 – January 20, 2013 |
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| Vice President | Joe Biden |
| Preceded by | John P. Hannah |
| Succeeded by | Jake Sullivan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Antony John Blinken
April 16, 1962 Yonkers, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Evan Ryan
(m. 2002) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives |
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| Education | |
Antony John Blinken (born April 16, 1962) is an American lawyer and diplomat. He served as the 71st United States secretary of state from 2021 to 2025. This means he was the top diplomat for the United States.
Before this, he worked for President Barack Obama. He was the deputy national security advisor from 2013 to 2015. He also served as deputy secretary of state from 2015 to 2017. From 2009 to 2013, Blinken was the national security advisor to then-Vice President Joe Biden.
After leaving government, Blinken worked in a consulting firm called WestExec Advisors. He later became a foreign policy advisor for Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. In 2021, he was chosen to be the Secretary of State.
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Early Life and Education
Antony Blinken was born in Yonkers, New York, on April 16, 1962. His father, Donald M. Blinken, later became the U.S. ambassador to Hungary.
He went to Dalton School in New York City. In 1971, he moved to Paris with his mother and his stepfather, Samuel Pisar.
Blinken studied at Harvard University from 1980 to 1984. He then worked at The New Republic magazine for about a year. In 1988, he earned a law degree from Columbia Law School. After that, he worked as a lawyer in New York City and Paris.
Career in Government
During the Clinton administration, Blinken worked for the State Department. He also held important roles on the National Security Council from 1994 to 2001.
From 2009 to 2013, Blinken was the national security advisor to the vice president. During his time in the Obama administration, he helped create U.S. policies. These policies were about countries like Afghanistan and Pakistan. He also worked on issues like the nuclear program of Iran.
Secretary of State (2021–2025)
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Blinken was a foreign policy advisor for Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign. In November 2020, it was announced that Biden had chosen Blinken to be his Secretary of State.
His confirmation hearing began on January 19, 2021. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved his nomination on January 25. The full Senate confirmed him on January 26 by a vote of 78 to 22. Blinken officially became Secretary of State later that day. He was the third person to serve as both Deputy Secretary of State and Secretary of State.
Personal Life
Antony Blinken is Jewish. In 2002, he married Evan Ryan. Their wedding was an interfaith ceremony. It was led by both a rabbi and a priest. They have two children together.
Blinken can speak French very well. He also enjoys playing the guitar. He has released three songs on Spotify under the name "Ablinken."
Images for kids
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Blinken and Biden on a trip to Kosovo, May 22, 2009
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Blinken and Israeli President Isaac Herzog in Tel Aviv after Hamas attacked Israel, October 12, 2023
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Blinken in the White House Situation Room (back of the room, blue shirt, leaning)
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See also
In Spanish: Antony Blinken para niños
