Linda Thomas-Greenfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Linda Thomas-Greenfield
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Official portrait, 2021
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| 31st United States Ambassador to the United Nations | |
| In office February 25, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Deputy | Richard M. Mills Jr. Dorothy Shea |
| Preceded by | Kelly Craft |
| Succeeded by | Dorothy Shea (acting) |
| 18th Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs | |
| In office August 6, 2013 – March 10, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama Donald Trump |
| Deputy | Robert P. Jackson |
| Preceded by | Johnnie Carson |
| Succeeded by | Tibor P. Nagy |
| Director General of the Foreign Service Director of Human Resources |
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| In office April 2, 2012 – August 2, 2013 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Nancy Jo Powell |
| Succeeded by | Arnold A. Chacón |
| United States Ambassador to Liberia | |
| In office August 27, 2008 – February 29, 2012 |
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| President | George W. Bush Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Donald E. Booth |
| Succeeded by | Deborah R. Malac |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 22, 1952 Baker, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Lafayette Greenfield |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Louisiana State University (BA) University of Wisconsin–Madison (MPA) |
Linda Thomas-Greenfield (born November 22, 1952) is an American diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in talks with other countries. From 2021 to 2025, she was the United States Ambassador to the United Nations. This means she was the main representative for the U.S. at the United Nations (UN). Before that, she worked as the U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs from 2013 to 2017.
President Joe Biden chose her to be the U.S. ambassador to the UN. The United States Senate approved her for the role on February 23, 2021. She officially started her job on February 25, 2021.
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Early Life and School
Linda Thomas-Greenfield was born in Baker, Louisiana, in 1952. She was one of eight children. She finished high school in Zachary, Louisiana, in 1970. She then went to Louisiana State University, earning a bachelor's degree in 1974. In 1975, she earned a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Later, in 2018, she received an honorary law degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Career in Diplomacy
Before becoming a diplomat, Thomas-Greenfield taught political science at Bucknell University. In 1982, she joined the United States Foreign Service. This is a group of people who work for the U.S. government in other countries.
She held many important jobs in the Foreign Service:
- Deputy assistant secretary for population, refugees, and migration (2004–2006)
- Principal deputy assistant secretary for African affairs (2006–2008)
- Ambassador to Liberia (2008–2012)
- Director general of the Foreign Service and director of human resources (2012–2013)
She also worked in other countries like Switzerland, Pakistan, Kenya, The Gambia, Nigeria, and Jamaica. From 2013 to 2017, she was the assistant secretary of state for African affairs. This role involved managing U.S. relations with countries in Africa. In 2017, she left her role in the government. After that, she worked at Georgetown University as a special fellow studying African affairs.
In November 2020, she helped President-elect Joe Biden's team prepare for his presidency. She focused on matters related to the United States Department of State.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
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On November 24, 2020, President Biden announced he would nominate Linda Thomas-Greenfield to be the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. He also planned for her to be part of his Cabinet and the United States National Security Council. The Cabinet is a group of top advisors to the President. The National Security Council helps the President with national security and foreign policy.
She spoke to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on January 27, 2021. During her hearing, she talked about her views on international policies. She expressed concerns about the influence of the People's Republic of China in Africa and other regions. She also promised to stand up against unfair treatment of Israel.
The Senate Committee approved her nomination on February 4, 2021. The full United States Senate confirmed her as the UN Ambassador on February 23, 2021, with a vote of 78 to 20. She officially took office on February 25, 2021. She took over from Ambassador Kelly Craft.
Time as Ambassador
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As the U.S. ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield also served as president of the United Nations Security Council several times. The Security Council is a powerful part of the UN that works to keep peace and security around the world. The presidency rotates among its members. She held this role in March 2021, May 2022, August 2023, and December 2024.
She spoke out about human rights issues in China. She said the U.S. would continue to speak up until China's government stops its actions against the Uyghur people and other minorities.
She also showed concern about rising tensions in Ethiopia's Tigray Region. She urged for a peaceful solution to the conflict there.
In October 2023, during a conflict in the Middle East, the UN Security Council voted on a plan to pause fighting. This pause would allow humanitarian aid to reach people in Gaza. Thomas-Greenfield, representing the U.S., voted against this plan. She explained that the U.S. was working on its own diplomatic solution. She also said the plan did not recognize Israel's right to defend itself. The U.S. has veto power on the Security Council, meaning one "no" vote from a permanent member can stop a resolution.
In December 2023, she voted against a humanitarian ceasefire plan in the larger UN General Assembly. She said a ceasefire without an agreement to release hostages would not bring lasting peace. In February 2024, she again cast the only "no" vote against a UN Security Council plan for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. She stated that demanding a ceasefire without requiring the release of hostages would not lead to lasting peace.
In May 2024, two universities, the University of Vermont and Xavier University of Louisiana, canceled her planned speeches. This happened after students protested her selection as a speaker.
Personal Life
Linda Thomas-Greenfield is married to Lafayette Greenfield. He also worked for the United States Department of State before he retired. They have two children.
See also
In Spanish: Linda Thomas-Greenfield para niños
- List of African-American United States Cabinet members
- List of female United States Cabinet members
