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] |
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.
Karem is a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and graduated from Columbia University in 2000. [2]
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]
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