Antony Blinken
@ABlinken
Followers
376K
Following
2K
Media
312
Statuses
2K
The messages from friends and colleagues that I’ve received over the past 15 hours have been humbling. Honored to announce, officially, that I have been nominated to serve as Secretary of State. If confirmed, this is a mission I will take on with my full heart.
4K
7K
101K
My family lost a parent and grandparent, a source of love and inspiration — my father Donald Blinken. A member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, a U.S. Ambassador, president of the Mark Rothko Foundation, chair of the State University of New York dad served his city, state and country.
4K
2K
31K
The sweeping arrests of pro-democracy demonstrators are an assault on those bravely advocating for universal rights. The Biden-Harris administration will stand with the people of Hong Kong and against Beijing’s crackdown on democracy.
2K
6K
13K
Dad inspired me to public service. He lived with decency, dignity and modesty. He loved his wife Vera and his family. He built a wonderful life and gave me a wonderful life. I love you dad.
1K
478
9K
And oh the irony: a separate server.
Trump WH used the power of classification and restricted access - meant to protect national security - to protect his corruption. An extraordinary abuse of power that rightly caught the whistle blower’s attention.
73
1K
7K
I was blessed to spend time with Pope Francis. His humanity was matched by his humility. He always asked visitors to pray for him as he prayed for us. He is in our collective prayers today.
382
910
8K
This is devastating. President Trump acknowledges he has only JUST NOW «really learned a lot about COVID » & « gone to school on it.” The time to do that was 200K deaths ago, not when it affected you. We all wish you well but also wish you had done your job. Please do it now.
457
2K
6K
Among my parents and grandparents are immigrants, refugees, a Holocaust survivor. For them and many others, America was the last best hope on earth. Their stories inspired me to serve. America at its best is why I’m here—that’s what I hope to help restore for future generations.
505
914
6K
Please read. This is the larger truth about Joe Biden. And there are hundreds of stories just like it. Let’s not kill what’s left of empathy in our public life. In Defense of Joe Biden: A Hug When I Needed One – Jeannie Etchart – Medium
136
1K
5K
We are building a team that looks like America, led by extraordinary public servants. It would be the honor of my life to work with these leaders -- and all of the Department's women and men -- to reinvigorate the power of America’s example.
901
741
5K
I was there, too. VP Biden patiently but firmly explained how our system and the rule of law work -- or used to.
22
1K
4K
With respect — and I write this as a senior advisor to the Biden campaign — Sen. Warren attracted a remarkable group of foreign policy thinkers and innovators who would be the envy of any campaign and who will play critical roles if there is a democratic administration.
It was quite telling that you were hard-pressed to find many notable senior national security leaders – call them establishment if you want – who signed up for Warren’s campaign.
42
586
4K
Job #1 for a president is protecting our people and fighting forces. That’s why a president starts the day by reading and getting briefed on the most important intelligence we collect, in the President’s Daily Brief. Until now. .
I was in the PDB with Joe Biden every morning. He asked questions because he’d already read the PDB before we met with the briefers and always had our troops in mind.
31
805
3K
Deeply concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, reports of targeted ethnic violence, and the risk to regional peace and security. The TPLF and Ethiopian authorities should take urgent steps to end the conflict, enable humanitarian access, and protect civilians.
781
824
3K
With respect, this is the opposite of the truth. Iran is restarting dangerous elements of its nuclear program that JCPOA stopped. It is acting more provocatively in the region, endangering US forces. We’re alienated from our allies. On its own terms your policy is a failure.
Two years ago, @realDonaldTrump announced the bold decision to protect the world from #Iran’s violence and nuclear threats by withdrawing from the Iran Deal. Today, Americans are safer and the Middle East is more peaceful than if we had remained in the #JCPOA.
103
973
3K
How the president's credibility -- or not -- relates to our national security.
5K
589
3K
Sometimes my muppet friends are the best reminders of our common humanity.
251
393
2K
Five years ago, the world came together to adopt the Paris Agreement. We need American diplomacy and cooperation to regain our momentum in tackling the climate crisis. No time to waste.
Under a Biden-Harris Administration, we will rejoin the Paris Agreement on day one and lead the world in the fight against climate change.
123
273
2K
Amb. Dan Fried, one of generation’s great diplomats, retired today. Read his powerful defense of liberal international order.
47
1K
2K
On this #MLKDay2021 and #DayOfService, Dr. King, his enduring wisdom, and the work that remains to fulfill his vision are top of mind. “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.”.
715
239
2K
If you’d like to follow our work at the State Department here’s how: @SecBlinken.
It is more important than ever that the U.S. shows up and leads -- the well-being of the American people hangs in the balance. As I close on my first full week @StateDept, I am honored and humbled by how the team is hitting the ground running.
1K
230
2K
This:.
Iran’s execution of Ruhollah Zam, a journalist who was denied due process and sentenced for exercising his universal rights, is another horrifying human rights violation by the Iranian regime. We will join our partners in calling out and standing up to Iran’s abuses.
251
242
2K
Share concern re. #Egypt's arrests of three employees of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights. Meeting with foreign diplomats is not a crime. Nor is peacefully advocating for human rights.
We are deeply concerned about the detention of two employees of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, which works to strengthen & protect rights & freedoms in Egypt. The United States believes that all people should be free to express their beliefs and advocate peacefully.
270
419
2K
On the 11th anniversary of the devastating earthquake, we mark the strength of the Haitian people and the deep friendship between Haiti and the United States. We will always support democracy, human rights, and the security and prosperity of Haiti.
280
170
2K
Results matter:.
Bottom line: after four years of “Fire and Fury” and “We fell in love”, North Korea has more nuclear weapons and a more advanced ballistic missile program.
20
348
1K
President Trump said no one could have predicted the Coronavirus. Maybe he should not have eliminated a program literally called PREDICT designed to detect coronavirus and strongly supported by presidents Bush and Obama.
40
565
1K
One year ago:.
We are not prepared for a pandemic. Trump has rolled back progress President Obama and I made to strengthen global health security. We need leadership that builds public trust, focuses on real threats, and mobilizes the world to stop outbreaks before they reach our shores.
23
334
1K
I was with VP Biden when he politely but firmly told Erdogan that’s not how we do things in the USA. At least it wasn’t then. .
9
362
1K
Projection: a defence mechanism in which the ego defends itself against unconscious impulses by denying their existence in themselves while attributing them to others: see e.g. Trump’s China-bashing ad is more ridiculous than you thought - Washington Post
37
347
1K
It was so cold on that ridge we took turns standing behind the helo air exhaust - the only way to get warm. Joe Biden took turns like everyone else. And when a convoy finally came to extract us we walked a long mile in the driving snow to meet it.
For those still deciding whether to give @JoeBiden your vote, here's a little story that shows what he's like-- and why he deserves your trust. Over nearly a decade of staffing #JoeBiden, we took a number of helicopter flights in #Afghanistan. <1/ >
45
226
1K
So pleased and proud to have my friend of 25 years, comrade-in-arms (and former boss!) on Team Joe. No one is tougher of mind and warmer of heart.
I'm proud to endorse @JoeBiden for President. Here he is comforting me on 1/4/17 just after my mother passed away. There is no one kinder, more empathetic and caring than @joebiden. He will lead America with the same deep compassion and decency.
12
170
1K
The president we need. The president we deserve.
"But while I'll be a democratic candidate, I will be an American president. I'll work hard for those who didn't support me, as hard for them as I did for those who did vote for me. That's the job of a president." — @JoeBiden
23
147
889
Grateful to Amb. Bridget Brink for three remarkable years leading our embassy in Ukraine. Her courage and commitment to Ukraine’s freedom show our foreign and civil service at their best — as does our incredible team at Embassy Kyiv. My enduring gratitude to her and them.
69
169
1K
Sigh. This pains me in light of my admiration for Robert Wright. The Moral Animal is among the most brilliant books I’ve read. Well, maybe I’ll evolve. .
.@robertwrighter gives @ABlinken — who is a top candidate for national security adviser or secretary of state — a C- on his new "progressive realism report card." .
95
61
813
Springsteen on Biden:.
25
183
776
Only two numbers matter tonight: 99.9 and 99.8. That’s the percentage of African American and Latino voters, respectively, who have not yet been given a chance to weigh in. Let’s see who hears their voices and wins their votes, starting in Nevada and South Carolina.
Democratic Party electorate is 40% non-white but the first two states are 92% white. This is a travesty.
20
230
703
It bears constant repeating: Joe Biden led the bi-partisan, international fight against corruption in Ukraine to advance our national interest. President Trump corrupted our foreign policy to advance his personal interests.
20
309
658
Today marks 3 years since hundreds of thousands of Rohingya were driven from their homes in Burma. A Biden administration will work tirelessly to support justice for atrocities committed, as well as peace, security, and equal rights for the Rohingya as citizens of Burma.
41
203
735
Thanks for a great exchange. We need a foreign policy workforce that looks like the country it represents. America’s diversity is a singular source of strength.
Today @WCAPSnet met with @Ablinken, @LindaT_G, and other entities to discuss ways that @StateDept can promote #DEI. We appreciate a chance to share thoughts on this important matter. @WCAPSintheUK @wcapswestcoast @WCAPSinFrance @Jenkinsbd.
139
84
707
Great to join @andrewrsorkin on @SquawkCNBC this week to talk about the economy and the dangers of an "America Alone" approach.
80
215
802
Thank you Matt! To my fellow Beatle-maniac here’s hoping the long and winding road leads Joe Biden to a certain door on Pennsylvania Avenue. And good luck to us all.
Sending love and strength to my friend @ABlinken and the Biden team, who have done an amazing job in extraordinary circumstances. Let's get this done.
48
42
598
And not the first time. WashPost has reported there were 12 separate references in the PDB to the emerging coronavirus in January and early February that POTUS either did not read or ignored.
6
211
579
Joe Nye: a life wonderfully lived. Few contributed as much to our intellectual capital, our understanding of the world and America’s place in it. A friend and mentor to so many including me.
48
141
717
Amb. Dermer asked to see me late one night at White House in midst of 2014 Gaza crisis. Israel urgently needed more Iron Dome interceptors. I relayed to Pres Obama next morning. His response: Get it done. We secured $250 million from Congress 3 days later. Facts not fiction.
Complete fiction, Mort. And you know it.
16
172
583
We are closely watching developments in Ethiopia with concern for the security of all its citizens and the closing of civic space. Leaders across the political spectrum should prioritize dialogue over violence and repression to preserve the promise of a transition to democracy.
99
211
587
Trump not smart to spotlight wiretap. Requires warrant which requires probable cause crime committed or target foreign agent. Which is it?.
42
280
496
As staff director for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee I had the privilege of watching Paul Sarbanes in action. A fierce intelligence married to deep principle — and the best questioner on the committee. My thoughts are w/John and his entire family.
213
85
532
And yet: won’t get fooled again?.
Meet the new tone, same as the old tone.
11
55
423
For any JJ Cale fans out there: John Moreland. So good. Tulsa Time!
788
60
454
Adam Schiff’s closing argument is one of the most stirring, eloquent, powerful and persuasive arguments I’ve ever heard. History has a hero.
9
86
426
The health of lawyer & women's rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh is fast deteriorating. She should be released and afforded proper medical care.
Iran’s cruel execution of Navid Afkari is a travesty. No country should arrest, torture, or execute peaceful protestors or activists. Iran must free its other political prisoners, including Nasrin Sotoudeh, and release unjustly detained Americans.
32
123
416
Taiwan's move to lift trade barriers is good for American farmers, ranchers, and our economy. Stronger economic ties with Taiwan also support our shared democratic values and our common commitment to regional peace and stability.
13
108
460
Joe Biden in Munich: I believe in NATO, I believe in the EU and I believe in American leadership — the kind that brings others with us.
25
98
402
In fact, when China’s government withheld vital information about the virus and denied access to international experts, President Trump spent nearly two months praising its cooperation and transparency to protect his empty trade deal. No speech can erase that history.
.@SecPompeo: “The president has held China accountable for covering up the China virus and allowing to spread death and economic destruction. and he will not rest until justice is done.” #RNC2020.
21
137
388
For your Sunday reading. Opinion | Joe Biden: My Plan to Reopen America After the Coronavirus - The New York Times
17
130
380
23 year old pop star shows more wisdom, grace and dignity than some of our leaders.
3
112
348
Inspired by the life and service of Ruth Davis - a State Department trailblazer for 40 years who passed today. First African American woman to head the Foreign Service. A mentor and role model for generations of our diplomats.
47
70
465
My take on why the Trump Administration is not prepared for a real crisis: No People. No Process. No Policy. via @NYTOpinion
16
138
308
TPP withdrawal economic & strategic mistake. W/o US leadership, China fills gap & worker, enviro, IPR protections wane. Not in our interest.
8
56
340
Our hearts go out to Filipinos suffering from the loss of loved ones and the extensive damage caused by Supertyphoon Rolly. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris stand ready to reach out and help our Philippine friends in times of need.
18
60
339
Joe Biden on the anniversary of the Tree of Life synagogue shootings. Antisemitic attacks and hate crimes are on the rise. More than ever we need a president who works to unite us, not divide us.
34
61
326
We regret calls by Turkish President Erdogan and Turkish Cypriot leader Tatar for a two-state solution in Cyprus. Joe Biden has long expressed support for a bizonal, bicommunal federation that ensures peace and prosperity for all Cypriots
119
79
342
Bob Dylan: “steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king.”.
I saw focus groups of Trump voters in 2016. They thought the fact he was a hugely successful businessman would make him a successful president. The fact he was a loser in business will hurt him. And that is why he’s kept his taxes secret.
7
88
275
If memory serves there were 46 votes for cloture, Ds controlled both houses & President Bush was in favor — so this was the best shot we’ve had at comprehensive immigration reform. Had it passed 6 million undocumented would be citizens today. A historic missed opportunity.
Biden’s shot at Sanders on the 2007 immigration bill ignores something important: It didn’t have the votes. Just 34 votes for cloture before it died. It wasn't like Sanders could have saved it.
12
123
294
Team Biden very pleased to have this endorsement from a dynamic, nonpartisan group of foreign policy leaders.
6
94
299
The bottom line: Joe Biden led the fight against corruption in Ukraine to advance our national interest. President Trump corrupted our foreign policy to advance his personal interests.
Like to see well-meaning folks who just want more info on my feed. Let's explore the premise for "investigating" Biden. Shokin, the Kremlin-aligned holdover, was NOT actively investigating Burisma. His ouster was supported by GOP senators Rob Portman and Ron Johnson, . .
12
96
273
Russia is systematically curtailing humanitarian assistance to Syrians at the UNSC -- with catastrophic effects on millions suffering from regime and Russian brutality as well as COVID 19. When Joe Biden is president, we will restore U.S. leadership on humanitarian issues.
As Russia and China veto cross-border humanitarian aid for northeastern Syria, the UN announces that 700 people have died recently in two camps there where 70,000+ mainly women and children once connected to ISIS languish in “very dire conditions.”
29
119
278
A beautiful, powerfully human statement from a daughter about her father. Tks for reminding us of our common humanity.
1
56
293
If you only watch one video this week. .
🚨 🚨 MUST WATCH: @AndrewBatesNC lays out what really happened in Ukraine and systematically obliterates Donald Trump and his Republican allies’ thoroughly discredited lies. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. And you’ll demand more Bates content ASAP.
5
147
276
If you read one piece today: Trump has been a great president for China. For America amid coronavirus, not so much.
35
135
280
An interesting exchange. Speaks for itself. .
On the contrary, Chinese netizens wish for your reelection because you can make America eccentric and thus hateful for the world. You help promote unity in China and you also make intl news as fun as comedy. Chinese netizens call you “Jianguo,” meaning “help to construct China”.
22
98
247
And President Obama pulled us back from precipice of Great Recession, saved the auto industry, brought health care to millions of Americans, curbed Iran’s nuclear program, mobilized the world to combat global warming, brought our troops home from Iraq, (darned Twitter limits. ).
And FDR led us out of the Great Depression. Inspired and designed the United Nations along with Eleanor Roosevelt.
5
70
258
I recently came across letters home from my dad’s college roommate in 1944 telling his folks my dad had enlisted in the Air Force and was about to leave for training. He was 19 years old. Not a « sucker. » Not a « loser. » A patriot. And my hero.
19
36
286
For the record Joe Biden helped draft such a pledge a year + ago as member of Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity, immediately took pledge as a candidate and has been calling on fellow Ds to do same ever since. Good to see Sen. Warren do same.
This is leadership. So thankful for this message.
2
75
232
“I don't take responsibility at all," President Trump said, when asked if he took responsibility for the United States' lag in testing for the coronavirus outbreak. Pretty much sums up the entire presidency. The anti-thesis of leadership and accountability.
15
86
261
This is important. 39 of the 41 House seats we flipped in 2018 were in moderate districts. If we want to hold the House in November and take our best shot to win back the Senate the top of the ticket matters. A lot.
7
81
243
Exactly:.
An effective @JoeBiden ad. I don’t quite understand how Trump could succeed in tarring Biden as a pal of China when it’s Trump who has been the great defender of Xi Jinping.
14
52
241
“At this moment for our fragile democracy Joe Biden is the President we need.” Caroline Kennedy. Joe Biden for president - The Boston Globe
17
89
246
Exactly. Israel's ambassador asked for emergency replenishment late on a Thursday night. Friday morning i conveyed the request to Pres. Obama and VP Biden. Three word response: get it done. By Tuesday, with VP making key calls, we had $250 million from Congress.
Dear @NikkiHaley - last night u asked ? “Where was @JoeBiden when Hamas was attacking Israel and no one was doing anything?” I’ll tell you. He was getting an emergency appropriations bill thru Congress to replenish Iron Dome defensive missiles. Where were you? #Biden2020 #Biden.
16
77
262
This is not a dilemma. Is there an individual alive today on planet earth whose word you would not take over President Trump’s? No one has ever had a more adversarial relationship with the truth. Our first president could not tell a lie. Our current president. .
We're left with this dilemma: Jeffrey Goldberg, who authored The Atlantic piece insists the story is true. President Trump insists the story is false. Both of those views can't be right, writes Chris Cillizza
12
33
244
Thrilled to stand in with Coalition of the Willing + the great Jeff “Skunk” Baxter of Steely Dan & Doobie Brothers fame at UK Embassy benefit for Invictus Games on Friday.
8
41
249
It’s a Martin. Which I don’t deserve. And mostly blues and rock. Not good enough for bluegrass.
Best part of watching for former Deputy National Security Advisor Tony Blinken on @FareedZakaria is the 🎸 in his library-man-cave, which I think is a bluegrass-ready #MartinD28. Can you confirm, @ABlinken?
31
18
257
The must read of the week from the man who planned the bin laden operation.
7
77
192
The remedies in the resolution are available to “participant” countries. In pulling out of the agreement the WH literally titled its statement “Ending US Participation in the JCPOA.” It would have been wise to stick with an agreement that was working and has teeth.
THREAD. Wendy, did you ever read the Resolution you negotiated? Operative Paragraphs 9-12. A legally independent snapback is in the plain text of UNSCR 2231 as is the US' eligibility to trigger it (with no provision for ever changing that eligibility).
18
50
228
Today we commemorate the genocide committed by ISIS against the Yazidi population in Iraq, which began six years ago. We built a global coalition to defeat the Caliphate. Now, all Yazidis should be free to return home and ISIS held accountable for its crimes. #Remember3August.
14
77
224
Proud and honored to witness the swearing-in of Herro Mustafa as US ambassador to Bulgaria — the first Kurdish-American ambassador in US history. Amazing life story, exceptional diplomat, wonderful person. We’re fortunate to have her represent us.
12
60
221
Russia's goal to undermine confidence in & legitimacy of democratic institutions. Vital there be no doubt re. credibility of investigation.
Adam Schiff, top Dem on House Intel Committee, calls on Chairman Nunes to recuse himself from Russia investigation
7
102
172
Joe Biden did just that. The only one to raise gun violence in the debate — in Nevada, site of the worst mass shooting in US history. The only one to defeat the NRA with Assault Weapons Ban and Brady Bill (background checks + waiting period). You might say he gets it done.
Last night, we didn’t talk about gun violence. We’re not going to solve this crisis by ignoring it — or by nominating a candidate with a history of caving to the NRA. Bernie Sanders has voted against the Brady Bill FIVE times.
2
62
186
Here’s who called Vladimir Putin to offer congrats on his “election”: Assad, Maduro, Xi, Castro, Nazarbayev, Lukashenko and. President Trump.
9
121
182
Smart, experienced, profoundly decent. Great for the Department — and the country.
Senate confirms Stephen Biegun as Deputy Secretary of State. Will be good for @StateDept. @SecPompeo can now go back to Kansas and run for Senate, a run he seems to have been preparing for months. Acting Secretary of State Biegun has nice ring to it.
27
41
208
Enjoyed talking to Tim on @BulwarkOnline today and his determined efforts to break down my diplo-speak. Next time, Tim….
Today's pod: @ABlinken on America Alone under Trump, what our allies are saying, his successor, what he would do over if he could, the Biden re-elect question, & whether Russia wants peace. Plus @alexwagner on the inspiring protests in Hungary.
49
37
238
No additional comment needed.
Trump, Obama notes left at Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial for the Holocaust. This makes me sad.
17
91
191