K. T. McFarland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
K. T. McFarland
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| 28th United States Deputy National Security Advisor | |
| In office January 20, 2017 – May 19, 2017 |
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| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Avril Haines |
| Succeeded by | Ricky L. Waddell |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Kathleen M. Troia
July 22, 1951 Madison, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Alan McFarland |
| Children | 3, including Fiona |
| Education | George Washington University (BA) St Anne's College, Oxford (BA) Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Kathleen Troia McFarland (born July 22, 1951) is an American political expert, government worker, and author. She has worked for several U.S. presidents.
McFarland started her career in the 1970s at the U.S. National Security Council. In the 1980s, she worked for the United States Department of Defense. She was a speechwriter and helped with public relations. In 2006, she ran for a U.S. Senate seat in New York but did not win.
In 2017, McFarland served as Deputy National Security Advisor for President Donald Trump. She later left this role and was considered for the job of U.S. Ambassador to Singapore. However, she withdrew her name from consideration. McFarland often shares her opinions on Fox News and has written three books.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Kathleen Troia was born on July 22, 1951, in Madison, Wisconsin. She grew up there as the oldest of four children. Her father worked for a railroad company.
She graduated from Madison West High School in 1969. After high school, she studied at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. In 1970, she worked part-time at the White House for Henry Kissinger's National Security Council staff. Kissinger was a very important advisor to the President. McFarland typed important daily reports for the President. She became very interested in U.S. foreign policy. She studied Chinese culture and history and graduated in 1973.
Career Highlights
Early Government Work
After college, Troia continued to work at the White House. She was a research assistant during the Ford administration. She sometimes helped with or filled in for the National Security Council's press person. Many people saw her as a promising young talent.
In 1981, she returned to Washington, D.C. She joined the staff of the Senate Armed Services Committee. This committee helps decide how the U.S. military operates. She helped prepare important briefings and discussion points.
Working for President Reagan
During the Reagan administration, Kathleen Troia became a speechwriter. She wrote speeches for Caspar Weinberger, who was the U.S. Secretary of Defense. One of her notable works was a speech about when the U.S. military should be used.
In 1983, she was promoted. She became a senior spokesperson for the Pentagon, which is the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense. She held this important role until late 1984.
Family Life
Kathleen Troia married Alan Roberts McFarland in 1985. After getting married, she became known as K.T. McFarland. For a time, she focused on raising her family. She became a stepmother to her husband's two children and they had three more children together.
Running for Senate
In 2006, K.T. McFarland decided to run for the United States Senate in New York. She sought the Republican Party's nomination. However, she was not successful in winning the primary election.
Sharing Her Views
Starting in 2010, McFarland became a regular guest on Fox News. She shared her opinions as a political commentator. She also wrote a weekly column for FoxNews.com and hosted an online talk show.
In her role as a commentator, McFarland often discussed national security and global events. She expressed her thoughts on U.S. foreign policy and international relations. She also talked about global issues and the role of the United States in the world.
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She often shared her doubts about "globalism," which is the idea of countries becoming more connected. She also questioned the value of U.S. military actions in other countries. For example, she supported the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, known as Brexit.
Other Contributions
McFarland has written three books. These books share her thoughts on American politics and foreign policy.
She also served on the board of The Jamestown Foundation. This organization studies global conflicts and challenges. She was also an advisor to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. McFarland is a lifetime member of the Council on Foreign Relations, a group that discusses U.S. foreign policy.
Working for President Trump
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In November 2016, President-elect Donald Trump chose K.T. McFarland to be his Deputy National Security Advisor. This is a very important job that helps the President with national security decisions. Her former boss, Henry Kissinger, praised her selection.
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She served in this role for less than three months. In April 2017, she was asked to step down. She was then offered a position as the U.S. Ambassador to Singapore.
Ambassadorial Nomination
In May 2017, McFarland was officially nominated to be the U.S. Ambassador to Singapore. Her confirmation hearing took place in July 2017. During the hearing, she stated her belief that Russia had interfered in the 2016 U.S. elections.
Her nomination was approved by a Senate committee. However, it faced delays in the full Senate. In February 2018, McFarland decided to withdraw her nomination. This was due to concerns about some of her previous statements.
Awards and Honors
In 1985, McFarland received a special award. It was the Department of Defense Distinguished Civilian Service Award. This is the highest honor a civilian can receive from the Department of Defense.
Personal Life
Kathleen Troia married Alan Roberts McFarland on January 12, 1985. The wedding took place in Washington, D.C. Alan McFarland was a successful investment banker. The couple had three children together. K.T. McFarland also became a stepmother to her husband's two children from a previous marriage. Her oldest daughter, Fiona McFarland, attended the United States Naval Academy.
