The Future of US National Security Officials: Will Harris Make Changes?
According to sources quoted by the Wall Street Journal, national security officials Lloyd Austin, Antony Blinken, and Jake Sullivan may lose their jobs if Kamala Harris wins the US presidential election in November.
President Joe Biden’s endorsement of Harris for the top of the ticket after dropping out of the re-election race could signal changes in the current administration. Harris, who still needs official confirmation as the Democratic nominee, is speculated to align more closely with progressive elements of the party and may impose conditions on US support for Israel.
Concerning foreign policy, Harris has shown more empathy toward Palestinians than Biden, which could lead to a shift in US rhetoric on the Gaza conflict if she wins. With Harris at the helm, Democrats could appeal to Arab-Americans, younger voters, and progressives who are not aligned with Biden’s policies.
If elected, Harris is expected to continue Biden’s foreign policy, but with a willingness to criticize Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and express empathy for Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
In a potential Harris administration, key roles may be filled by experienced officials such as Philip Gordon, her current national security adviser and a veteran of the Clinton and Obama administrations.