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United States Deputy Secretary of State facts for kids

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Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America
Flag of the United States Deputy Secretary of State.svg
Flag of the deputy secretary of state
US Department of State official seal.svg
Seal of the Department of State
Department of State
Reports to The United States Secretary of State
Seat Washington, D.C.
Appointer The President of the United States
with Senate advice and consent
Term length No fixed term
Formation July 13, 1972
First holder John N. Irwin II
Salary Executive Schedule, Level 2

The Deputy Secretary of State is a very important job in the United States. This person is the main helper for the Secretary of State. Think of them as the Secretary's second-in-command.

If the Secretary of State cannot do their job, the Deputy Secretary steps in. They become the acting Secretary of State. This happens until a new Secretary is chosen by the President and approved by the Senate. This important position was created in 1972. Before that, another role, the Under Secretary of State, was the second most powerful person in the Department of State.

The Department of State is unique because it has two Deputy Secretaries. One is the Deputy Secretary of State, and the other is the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. Both of these people can act for the Secretary if needed. Some Deputy Secretaries have even gone on to become the Secretary of State themselves. For example, Lawrence Eagleburger became Secretary in 1992, Warren Christopher in 1993, and Antony Blinken in 2021.

What Does a Deputy Secretary of State Do?

The Deputy Secretary of State helps the Secretary of State manage foreign policy. Foreign policy is how the U.S. deals with other countries. This job involves a lot of diplomacy. Diplomacy means talking and negotiating with other nations.

The Deputy Secretary helps make sure the U.S. has good relationships. They work on solving problems around the world. They also help lead the entire Department of State. This department has many people working to keep America safe and strong.

Helping the Secretary of State

The Deputy Secretary often travels to other countries. They meet with leaders and diplomats. They might discuss trade, peace, or other global issues. They also help manage the daily work of the State Department. This includes overseeing different offices and programs. Their goal is to support the Secretary's plans. They make sure the U.S. government's goals are met.

Important People in the Role

Many talented people have served as Deputy Secretary of State. They come from different backgrounds. Each one has helped shape how the U.S. interacts with the world. Their work is vital for international relations. They play a big part in keeping peace and building friendships.

Images for kids

  • John N. Irwin, II

    John N. Irwin II was the first Deputy Secretary of State.

  • Kenneth-Rush-1977

    Kenneth Rush served under President Richard Nixon.

  • Robert S. Ingersoll

    Robert S. Ingersoll served under two presidents.

  • Charles W. Robinson

    Charles W. Robinson served in the 1970s.

  • Warren Christopher

    Warren Christopher later became Secretary of State.

  • William patrick clark

    William P. Clark Jr. served in the early 1980s.

  • Walter J. Stoessel, Jr

    Walter J. Stoessel Jr. was Deputy Secretary in 1982.

  • Kenneth Dam

    Kenneth W. Dam served under President Ronald Reagan.

  • John C Whitehead

    John C. Whitehead was Deputy Secretary from 1985 to 1989.

  • Lawrence Eagleburger

    Lawrence Eagleburger later became Secretary of State.

  • CRW JR 1987

    Clifton R. Wharton Jr. served under President Bill Clinton.

  • StrobeTalbott

    Strobe Talbott was Deputy Secretary for many years.

  • Richard L. Armitage

    Richard Armitage served under President George W. Bush.

  • Zoellick, Robert (official portrait 2008)

    Robert Zoellick was Deputy Secretary from 2005 to 2006.

  • John Negroponte official portrait State

    John Negroponte served from 2007 to 2009.

  • Jim Steinberg

    James Steinberg served under President Barack Obama.

  • AmbassadorBurns

    William J. Burns served as Deputy Secretary from 2011 to 2014.

  • Wendy R. Sherman

    Wendy Sherman served as acting and then full Deputy Secretary.

  • Antony Blinken

    Antony Blinken later became Secretary of State.

  • Ambassador Thomas Shannon

    Thomas A. Shannon Jr. served as acting Deputy Secretary.

  • John J Sullivan

    John J. Sullivan served from 2017 to 2019.

  • Stephen E. Biegun official photo

    Stephen Biegun served at the end of the Trump administration.

  • Daniel Bennett Smith ambassador

    Daniel Bennett Smith served as acting Deputy Secretary.

  • Deputy Secretary Sherman's Official Photo (51142275093)

    Wendy Sherman's official photo as Deputy Secretary.

  • Victoria Nuland 2021

    Victoria Nuland served as acting Deputy Secretary.

  • Kurt Campbell as Deputy Secretary of State

    Kurt M. Campbell became Deputy Secretary in 2024.

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