Hillary Rodham Clinton served as the 67th United States Secretary of State from January 21, 2009, to February 1, 2013, across the first term of President Barack Obama. She was sworn in on January 21, 2009, following Senate confirmation and held the role through early February 2013, when she stepped down and was succeeded by John Kerry. Her tenure spanned parts of two presidential administrations, from the transition period after the 2008 election into the operational foreign policy framework of the Obama White House. Below is a concise, verified timeline and contextual details to clarify questions about her service as Secretary of State.
Exact tenure dates and presidential context
Hillary Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State is defined by specific start and end dates that align with the Obama administration’s first term. Her service began after a well-documented Senate confirmation process and concluded as part of a routine cabinet transition. Understanding these dates provides clarity on her role in U.S. government operations and foreign policy during this period.
Start date: January 21, 2009
Clinton was sworn in as Secretary of State on January 21, 2009, following her confirmation by the U.S. Senate. This occurred in the early months of Barack Obama’s first presidential term, shortly after the November 2008 election. Her swearing-in marked the official beginning of her tenure as the nation’s chief diplomat.
End date and successor: February 1, 2013, John Kerry
Clinton departed the role on February 1, 2013, when John Kerry was sworn in as her successor. Her exit was part of the planned rotation of senior officials at the beginning of Obama’s second term. She completed four years, approximately one month, in the position.
Confirmed timeline table
The following table summarizes key dates and verified facts about Hillary Clinton’s service as Secretary of State. It captures official milestones and the context for each event to support clarity and verification.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Start date | January 21, 2009 | Senate record, presidential inauguration context |
| End date | February 1, 2013 | Succession record, Kerry swearing-in documentation |
| Duration | Approximately 4 years, 11 days | Date-difference calculation from official dates |
| President served under | Barack Obama | Presidential timelines, official biographies |
| Confirmation body | U.S. Senate | Congressional record, hearing documentation |
Confirmation and appointment details
Clinton’s confirmation as Secretary of State followed a standard, transparent process conducted by the U.S. Senate. Her qualifications, experience, and policy positions were reviewed in committee and by the full Senate before approval. This phase of her appointment is well documented in congressional records and remains a reference point for understanding the legitimacy and formal nature of her tenure.
Key responsibilities during tenure
As Secretary of State, Clinton led the Department of State and coordinated U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy. Her duties included negotiating with foreign governments, managing international crises, and advising the President on global issues. These responsibilities reflect the operational scope and influence of the role during her time in office.
Notable context and public service timeline
Clinton’s career in public service extends across multiple decades and roles, including First Lady, U.S. Senator, and Secretary of State. Her work as Secretary of State represents one of the most prominent phases of her public service, with a focus on diplomacy, international partnerships, and crisis management. Understanding this broader context helps clarify the significance of her tenure and its lasting impact on U.S. foreign policy.
Common questions and clarifications
- When did her term begin? Hillary Clinton began her term on January 21, 2009, after Senate confirmation and the presidential inauguration.
- When did she leave the role? She stepped down on February 1, 2013, when John Kerry was sworn in as Secretary of State.
- Who appointed her? She was nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
- How long did she serve? She served for approximately 4 years and 11 days.
- Was she the longest-serving Secretary ofstate in the Obama era? While not necessarily the longest across all eras, her tenure covered most of Obama’s first term and into his second term before transitioning to Kerry.
Legacy and summary
Hillary Rodham Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State is well documented, with clear start and end dates, verified confirmation records, and a defined role within the U.S. government. Her service from January 21, 2009, to February 1, 2013, aligns with significant periods in modern U.S. foreign policy. This verified explanation provides a factual, transparent account of when she served and the context surrounding her time in the position.