Senate confirms Antony Blinken as secretary of state

(Image credit: Alex Edelman-Pool/Getty Images)

The Senate voted on Tuesday to confirm Antony Blinken as the next secretary of state.

Blinken, a longtime adviser to President Biden, was approved by a 78-22 vote, reports The New York Times. He has indicated he will move to undo many policies instated under former President Donald Trump, especially those focused on Trump's "America first" approach. Blinken has signaled he will rejoin global alliances, eventually including an effort to limit Iran's nuclear program. He also promised a tougher approach to Russia's cyberattacks and election interference.

Though he breaks with his predecessor, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on many fronts, Blinken told lawmakers he believes the Trump administration "was right" in "basic principle" on its tough approach on China. Read more at The New York Times.