Robert Karem

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
PresidentDonald Trump
Preceded byDerek Chollet
Succeeded byKathryn L. Wheelbarger (acting)
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Acting
In office
June 7, 2017 – October 27, 2017
PresidentDonald Trump
Preceded byTheresa Whelan (acting)
Succeeded byDavid Trachtenberg (acting)
Personal details
Born
Robert Story Karem

(1977-10-09) October 9, 1977
Political partyRepublican
EducationColumbia University[1]

Career

Karem was a foreign policy legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell.[2] 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.[3][4]

Karem later worked as an advisor to then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor.[2] In August 2014, Karem left Cantor's office to serve as policy advisor for U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.[5]

Karem served as a member of Donald Trump's transition team as an adviser to CIA Director Mike Pompeo during Pompeo's confirmation process.[6]

On April 25, 2017, President Trump nominated Karem to become Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Department of Defense.[7] 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!"[7]

On May 18, 2017, Karem's confirmation hearing took place with the Senate Committee on Armed Services.[7] He was confirmed unanimously by the U.S. Senate on May 25, 2017.[8]

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.[9]

References
  1. "Robert S. Karem > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Biography View". Defense.gov. April 10, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2017.
  2. "Trump nominates two new DOD officials". TheHill. April 25, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  3. "President Trump to Nominate Kari Bingen, Robert Story Karem to DoD Leadership Roles - Executive Gov". Executive Gov. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  4. "Jeb Bush hires two new foreign policy advisers". Washington Post. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  5. "Majority Leader-Elect McCarthy Inherits Top Cantor Aides". Roll Call. July 30, 2014. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  6. "Mattis readies troop recommendation for Afghanistan". POLITICO. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  7. "PN347 - Nomination of Robert Story Karem for Department of Defense, 115th Congress (2017-2018)". www.congress.gov. May 18, 2017. Retrieved May 23, 2017.
  8. Mehta, Aaron; Gould, Joe (May 25, 2017). "Senate confirms three appointees to Pentagon". Defense News. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  9. Gramer, Lara Seligman, Robbie. "Three Senior Pentagon Officials Leave in Quick Succession". Foreign Policy. Retrieved April 30, 2020.
Political offices
Preceded by
Theresa Whelan
Acting		 Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Acting
2017		 Succeeded by
David Trachtenberg
Acting
Preceded by
Derek Chollet		 Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
2017-present		 Incumbent
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