What the Secretary of State does
America's top diplomat and the President's lead advisor on foreign affairs.
Common misconceptions(3)
- Commands U.S. troops abroadActually: The Secretary of War (Defense) commands the military. State handles diplomacy; military action is a separate chain that runs President → Defense.
- Runs U.S. intelligence operationsActually: Spying and covert operations are run by the CIA and other intelligence agencies. State gathers information openly through diplomats.
- Controls who enters the U.S.Actually: State issues visas, but Homeland Security controls the actual border and decides who enters at ports of entry.
