Major Controversies Surrounding Antony Blinken: A Detailed Timeline
Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Antony Blinken.
Antony John Blinken is an American diplomat and lawyer. He served as the 71st United States Secretary of State (2021-2025). Prior to this, he held key positions in the Obama administration, including Deputy National Security Advisor (2013-2015) and Deputy Secretary of State (2015-2017). He also served as National Security Advisor to Vice President Joe Biden (2009-2013), marking a significant career in U.S. foreign policy and national security.
2003: Advocated for Invasion of Iraq
In 2003, Antony Blinken advocated for the invasion of Iraq while serving as the Democratic staff director of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
April 2015: Voiced Support for Intervention in Yemen
In April 2015, Antony Blinken voiced support for the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.
December 2020: Conflict of Interest Concerns
In December 2020, a New York Times article raised questions about potential conflicts of interest between WestExec principals, Pine Island advisors (including Blinken), and service in the Biden administration.
2021: Blinken Expresses Support for Israel During Conflict
During the 2021 Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Blinken expressed "absolute" support for Israel's right to defend itself, but warned against actions like evicting Palestinian families from East Jerusalem.
2021: Blinken on Brexit, Egypt Human Rights, and Afghanistan
In 2021, Blinken opposed the United Kingdom's separation from the European Union and expressed concern over human rights violations in Egypt and has stated that the United States will not recognize any government in Afghanistan that harbors terrorist groups or that does not uphold basic human rights.
2021: House Committee Recommends Blinken be Held in Contempt of Congress
On September 24, 2024, the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted to recommend U.S. Secretary of State Blinken be held in contempt of Congress for failing to comply with a subpoena seeking information about the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
April 2024: Blinken Refuses to Sanction Israeli Units
In April 2024, it was reported that Blinken had refused to act on recommendations from the Israel Leahy Vetting Forum to sanction Israeli units involved in human rights violations.
May 21, 2024: Blinken Faces Criticism at Senate Hearing
On May 21, 2024, Blinken faced criticism from protestors during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, where he was called "the Butcher of Gaza" and "Bloody Blinken".
August 2024: Blinken Falsely Announced Hostage Deal
In August 2024, a Times of Israel report found that Blinken falsely announced that Benjamin Netanyahu had accepted a US proposal for a hostage deal, which threw a wrench in the works and lead to the round of negotiations falling apart.
September 24, 2024: Report Alleges Blinken Lied to Congress on Gaza Aid
On September 24, 2024, ProPublica reported that Blinken allegedly lied to the U.S. Congress about Israel blocking humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, ignoring reports from USAID and the State Department Refugees Bureau.
September 25, 2024: House Condemns Biden-Harris Administration on Afghanistan Withdrawal
On September 25, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution condemning the Biden-Harris administration for the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, with a vote of 219-194.
January 14, 2025: Blinken Assesses Hamas Recruitment and Faces Protests
On January 14, 2025, Blinken assessed that Hamas had recruited almost as many new members as it had lost and was interrupted by protesters calling him "Bloody Blinken".
February 8, 2025: Trump to Strip Blinken's Security Clearance
On February 8, 2025, President Trump stated that he would be stripping Blinken's security clearance and was later confirmed.
2025: Withdrawal from Afghanistan Called a Fiasco
In 2025, two New York Times diplomatic correspondents assessed that the withdrawal from Afghanistan was Blinken's first test as Secretary of State, and it was widely considered a fiasco.
