Outgoing Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed hope that the forthcoming Trump administration would continue significant aspects of President Biden’s foreign policy, particularly concerning the Middle East and Ukraine. In an extensive interview on his last day in office, Blinken voiced concerns that the new administration may choose to disregard these policies.
He highlighted the potential risks of the incoming team not sustaining the initiatives set forth by Biden’s national security team, which aim to end the conflict in Gaza, prevent Russian interference in Ukraine, and reinforce alliances with key global partners. Blinken noted the issues they inherited, stating, “When we came in, we inherited partnerships and alliances that were seriously frayed,” and he acknowledged that history often serves as a predictor of future actions.
The President-elect, Donald Trump, has often been critical of U.S. alliances, questioning the necessity of NATO and similar defense partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. The Biden administration has made considerable efforts to strengthen these connections in recent years. Trump has also shown skepticism towards U.S. military assistance to Ukraine while issuing praise towards Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Interestingly, Trump’s incoming envoy for the Middle East has been actively involved in facilitating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, a development both the incoming and outgoing administrations have claimed credit for achieving. Blinken remarked on the unpredictability of future administrations, acknowledging that “there’s, of course, no guarantee that our successors will look to them, rely on them,” but expressed optimism that they might consider these initiatives as a foundation for future strategies.
Efforts to obtain comments from Trump’s transition team were unsuccessful initially. The Biden administration and Blinken have faced significant criticism for their management of the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, as well as for their support of Israel amid its ongoing conflict with Hamas. Critics accuse the administration of failing to impose adequate restrictions on arms supplies to Israel and not pushing hard enough for humanitarian relief in Gaza.
On a recent Thursday, protests criticizing Blinken for his perceived complicity in Israeli actions against Palestinian civilians disrupted his final press briefing at the State Department. Demonstrators have frequently gathered outside his residence, underscoring public discontent with U.S. foreign policy.
Despite these criticisms, Blinken reflected on the challenges that distracted the administration from its primary foreign policy goals, including the Afghanistan withdrawal, ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the crisis in Gaza, which diverted attention from initiatives important in the Indo-Pacific region. “Not what we came in wanting or expecting to have to be focused on,” he remarked.
He emphasized that even amidst these crises, the administration has made strides in global diplomacy, successfully rebuilding critical alliances worldwide. “We can’t lose sight of the rest of the world,” Blinken asserted, underscoring the importance of focusing on areas vital for U.S. security and future.
His interview followed a farewell address to State Department staff, where Blinken encouraged them to remain steadfast amid uncertainty about how the new administration might treat diplomatic relations and the workforce within the department. In his remarks, he commended the employees for their service during challenging times, stating, “Without you in the picture, this world, our country would look so much different.”
Blinken acknowledged the essential role that State Department personnel play in tirelessly working to enhance global peace and opportunities, thereby making the world a better place.
Trump’s erroneous perceptions of the State Department as a “Deep State Department” reflect his skepticism of the institution’s traditional involvement in shaping foreign policy. His choice for Blinken’s potential successor, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, has professed respect for the foreign service, but has not clarified his strategy for managing the department.
Blinken concluded by urging State Department staff to adapt to the transition period ahead. “This is a time of transition, and when we talk about transition, sometimes we talk about passing the baton. But that’s not what most of you will be doing,” he said, expressing confidence in their ability to continue their work effectively.
