Elliott Abrams is a prominent American politician and lawyer with a distinguished career in foreign policy, having served under three U.S. presidents: Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump. His journey began after earning a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School. Abrams first gained national prominence as Reagan’s Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs, where he was instrumental in shaping U.S. foreign policy in Latin America during the early 1980s. His nomination was unanimously approved by the Senate, highlighting his influence in the administration.
During the George W. Bush administration, Abrams held several key positions, including Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director on the National Security Council for Near East and North African Affairs. He was later appointed Deputy National Security Advisor for Global Democracy Strategy, where he played a crucial role in promoting democracy abroad and was a vocal supporter of the Iraq War. His leadership in the Project for the New American Century further solidified his reputation as a key architect of U.S. foreign policy during this period.
In 2019, Abrams was appointed as the U.S. Special Representative for Venezuela, advocating for regime change in the country. His concurrent appointment as Special Representative for Iran in 2020 underscored his significant role in shaping U.S. policy in the region. Following his tenure in the Trump administration, he was nominated to the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy by President Biden in 2023, reflecting his ongoing influence in foreign affairs.
Abrams is recognized as a neoconservative and a staunch supporter of Israel, contributing to various think tanks and advisory councils. His extensive experience and strategic insights into international relations continue to impact U.S. foreign policy discussions, making him a notable figure in contemporary political discourse.