Department of StateGovernment

United States · founded 1789

What it is

The United States Department of State is the executive department responsible for carrying out U.S. foreign policy and international relations. Led by the Secretary of State, it manages diplomatic missions, negotiates treaties, and represents the nation in international organizations. Originally established in July 1789 as the Department of Foreign Affairs, it was renamed the Department of State in September of that year and is the oldest cabinet-level agency in the U.S. federal government.

People

Britt McHenry

Press Adviser

Christopher Landau

Deputy Secretary of State

Santiago Peña

President of Paraguay

Rubén Ramírez Lezcano

Foreign Minister of Paraguay

John Coale

Nominee for Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs

Dino LaVerghetta

Nominee for Ambassador to Kuwait

William Makaneole

Nominee for Ambassador to Turkmenistan

Christian Ehrhardt

Nominee for Ambassador to Cameroon

Donald Trump

President of the United States

Events (5)

2026-10-23 ResignationState Department Press Adviser Britt McHenry Resigns

2026-10-21 SummitUnited States and Liechtenstein Hold Strategic and Economic Partnership Dialogue

2026-10-21 AllianceUnited States and Paraguay Deepen Security and Economic Partnership

2026-10-21 AllianceUnited States and ASEAN Co-Chair 7th Cyber Policy Dialogue

2026-09-28 Ambassador rotationPresident Trump Nominates Special Presidential Envoy and Ambassadors