Career Timeline of Jake Sullivan: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Jake Sullivan built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jacob Jeremiah Sullivan is an American attorney who served as the U.S. National Security Advisor from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden. As National Security Advisor, Sullivan played a key role in advising the President on national security and foreign policy matters.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

2008: Advisor to Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama

In 2008, Sullivan served as an advisor to Hillary Clinton during the primary cycle and later to Barack Obama during the general election campaign, preparing both for debates.

2012: Deputy Chief of Staff to Secretary of State

In 2012, Sullivan was the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director of Policy Planning and travelled with Hillary Clinton to 112 countries.

February 2013: National Security Advisor to Vice President Biden

In February 2013, Sullivan became National Security Advisor to Vice President Joe Biden, playing a role in shaping U.S. foreign policy towards Libya, Syria, and Myanmar.

November 24, 2013: Joint Plan of Action Signed

On November 24, 2013, the Geneva interim agreement on the Iranian nuclear program, known as the Joint Plan of Action, was signed by Iran and the P5+1 countries in Geneva, Switzerland, following efforts in which Sullivan participated.

June 20, 2014: Leaving Obama administration to teach at Yale Law School

On June 20, 2014, it was reported that Sullivan was leaving the Obama administration in August 2014 to teach at Yale Law School.

August 2014: Left Obama administration

In August 2014, Sullivan left the Obama administration to teach at Yale Law School.

January 2017: Joined Macro Advisory Partners

In January 2017, Sullivan joined Macro Advisory Partners, a risk advisory company, and was later a faculty member and senior fellow at the Carsey School of Public Policy at the University of New Hampshire.

May 2020: Sullivan Served on an Advisory Council for Microsoft

In May 2020, Sullivan served on an advisory council for Microsoft

November 22, 2020: Announced as National Security Advisor

On November 22, 2020, Sullivan was announced as Joe Biden's National Security Advisor.

September 2021: "A Foreign Policy for the Middle Class"

In September 2021 The Guardian wrote that one of Sullivan's themes in the job is connecting US actions on the world stage to the lives and welfare of ordinary Americans, with the mantra of "a foreign policy for the middle class".

September 28, 2021: Met with Saudi Crown Prince

On September 28, 2021, Sullivan met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss the 2021 global energy crisis, the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen, and potential normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

October 6, 2021: Meeting with Chinese Diplomat in Zürich

On October 6, 2021, Sullivan met with top Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi in Zürich, Switzerland, to discuss contentious issues in Chinese-American relations.

October 25, 2021: Briefed on Military Options Regarding Iran

On October 25, 2021, Sullivan was briefed by Pentagon officials on military options to prevent Iran from producing nuclear weapons.

November 7, 2021: US No Longer Pursues System Change in China

On November 7, 2021, Sullivan stated that the US no longer pursues system change in China, breaking from previous administrations' policies.

December 7, 2021: Warning on Nord Stream 2 Pipeline

On December 7, 2021, Sullivan warned that Russia's Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project would end if Russia invaded Ukraine.

January 14, 2022: Accusation Against Russia

On January 14, 2022, Sullivan accused Russia of sending saboteurs into Ukraine to stage a false-flag operation, a claim dismissed by Russia.

February 11, 2022: Public Warning About Russian Invasion of Ukraine

On February 11, 2022, Sullivan publicly warned about the likelihood of a Russian invasion of Ukraine before the end of the 2022 Winter Olympics, urging Americans to leave Ukraine immediately.

March 13, 2022: Warning of NATO Response

On March 13, 2022, Sullivan warned of a full-fledged NATO response if Russia attacks any part of NATO territory and reportedly advised Zelenskyy not to retake Crimea.

March 14, 2022: Warning to China About Aiding Russia

On March 14, 2022, Sullivan warned China about the consequences of helping Russia evade sanctions.

July 6, 2023: Defense of Cluster Munitions

On July 6, 2023, Sullivan defended the use of cluster munitions in Ukraine, stating that "Ukraine would not be using these munitions in some foreign land. This is their country they're defending."

October 15, 2023: Interview on Gaza Blockade

On October 15, 2023, Sullivan was interviewed about Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. He claimed the United States worked with Israel to ensure Palestinians' access to essential resources and protection from bombardment.

October 29, 2023: Dismissal of Ceasefire Calls

On October 29, 2023, Sullivan dismissed calls for a ceasefire in Israel's war against Hamas, warning it could benefit Hamas and declining to comment on war crimes or the return of Gazans to their homes.

November 2023: Sullivan references Woodside Summit in talks with Xi Jinping

In November 2023, Jake Sullivan, during a meeting with Xi Jinping in Beijing, referenced the November 2023 Woodside Summit. Concerns about the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea were also discussed during this three-day trip.

January 2024: Meeting with Wang Yi

In January 2024 Sullivan met with Wang Yi at Bangkok for two days.

January 2024: Rejection of Putin's Ceasefire Proposal

In January 2024, the Biden administration rejected Vladimir Putin's proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Sullivan informed Putin's foreign policy adviser that the United States would not discuss a ceasefire without Ukraine's participation.

March 2024: Warning Against Strikes in Russia

In March 2024, Sullivan warned Ukrainian officials to cease military strikes in Russia using Ukraine's own weaponry, amidst concerns about impacts on oil prices.

June 9, 2024: US aided Israeli hostage rescue

On June 9, 2024, Sullivan announced that the United States provided intelligence support for the rescue operation that successfully recovered Israeli hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp located in central Gaza.

January 2025: Sullivan warns of AI challenges

In January 2025, Sullivan cautioned about the critical years ahead in determining the future impact of artificial intelligence and the competition between China and America in the AI sector, just before leaving his position.