Robert Story Karem is an American policy advisor and government official who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Department of Defense.
Robert Karem | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs | |
| In office June 7, 2017 – October 31, 2018 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Derek Chollet |
| Succeeded by | Kathryn L. Wheelbarger (acting) |
| Under Secretary of Defense for Policy | |
Acting | |
| In office June 7, 2017 – October 27, 2017 | |
| President | Donald Trump |
| Preceded by | Theresa Whelan (acting) |
| Succeeded by | David Trachtenberg (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Robert Story Karem October 9, 1977 Lexington, Kentucky |
| Political party | Republican |
| Education | Columbia University[1] |
Early life and education edit
Karem is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated from Columbia University in 2000.[2]
Career edit
Karem was a foreign policy legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.[3] He was also an advisor to former Vice President Dick Cheney, specifically with respect to Middle East affairs. Karem was a member of Cheney's national security staff from February 2005 to January 2009 and was a researcher for Cheney's memoir.[4][5]
Karem later worked as an advisor to then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.[3] In August 2014, Karem left Cantor's office to serve as policy advisor for U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.[6]
Karem served as a member of Donald Trump's transition team as an adviser to CIA Director Mike Pompeo during Pompeo's confirmation process.[7]
On April 25, 2017, President Trump nominated Karem to become Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Department of Defense.[8] Derek Chollet, who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Obama administration, praised Trump's decision in choosing Karem, stating that "[n]ot often [do] I say this, but terrific news from Trump Admin: Robert Karem nomn'd for Asst SecDef ISA . . . He’s smart, savvy, & skilled. Great pick!"[8]
On May 18, 2017, Karem's confirmation hearing took place with the Senate Committee on Armed Services.[8] He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on May 25, 2017.[9]
Karem stepped down as Assistant Secretary in October 2018, along with additional Pentagon officials, Thomas Goffus and Alan Patterson. He was succeeded by Kathryn L. Wheelbarger in an acting capacity.[10]
References edit
- ^ "Robert S. Karem > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Biography View". Defense.gov. April 10, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
- ^ "McConnell's Magic". Roll Call. January 24, 2003. Retrieved June 25, 2021.
- ^ a b "Trump nominates two new DOD officials". The Hill. April 25, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ^ "President Trump to Nominate Kari Bingen, Robert Story Karem to DoD Leadership Roles - Executive Gov". Executive Gov. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ^ "Jeb Bush hires two new foreign policy advisers". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ^ "Majority Leader-Elect McCarthy Inherits Top Cantor Aides". Roll Call. July 30, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ^ "Mattis readies troop recommendation for Afghanistan". Politico. April 25, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ^ a b c "PN347 - Nomination of Robert Story Karem for Department of Defense, 115th Congress (2017-2018)". www.congress.gov. May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
- ^ Mehta, Aaron; Gould, Joe (May 25, 2017). "Senate confirms three appointees to Pentagon". Defense News. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
- ^ Gramer, Lara Seligman, Robbie (October 31, 2018). "Three Senior Pentagon Officials Leave in Quick Succession". Foreign Policy. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
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External links edit
