Secretary of State Antony Blinken has announced a significant change in his team, with one of his top aides departing to take on a key role with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Derek Chollet, a seasoned national security expert with a background in Democratic administrations, will be stepping into the position of Austin's chief of staff. Chollet's departure from the State Department will see Tom Sullivan, the brother of President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, assuming the role of State Department counselor.
Chollet had been nominated for the position of undersecretary of defense for policy, but his confirmation process faced delays, prompting the move to his new role. The reshuffling within the national security hierarchy comes at a time of heightened concerns over global developments, particularly in regions such as the Middle East, Ukraine, and China.
Expressing his enthusiasm for Chollet's new role, Defense Secretary Austin praised him as a highly accomplished and forward-thinking national security practitioner. Blinken also commended Chollet for his diplomatic efforts in various challenging assignments, highlighting his contributions to shaping responses to crises, including those in the Middle East.
Tom Sullivan, who previously served under former Secretary of State John Kerry, brings a wealth of experience in national security policy formulation and implementation. Blinken lauded Sullivan's expertise and dedication to serving the American people, emphasizing his valuable insights in navigating complex security challenges.
