Obama-Era DOJ Official Matthew Miller Named as State Department Spokesman

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has appointed former Obama Department of Justice spokesman, Matthew Miller, as the new State Department spokesman. Blinken praised Miller’s deep understanding of foreign policy and experience in government, stating that he had “benefitted greatly from Matt’s wisdom” during Blinken’s nomination to be secretary of state. Previously, Miller served as the Director of the Office of Public Affairs at the Department of Justice and the spokesman for Attorney General Eric Holder. Additionally, he led the “whole of government communications and outreach” at the National Security Council at the White House after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

After Ned Price, the longest-serving federal agency spokesman in the Biden administration, stepped down from his role in March, his deputy Vedant Patel has been serving as the department’s interim spokesman. In his announcement of Miller’s appointment, Blinken thanked Patel for his work as Acting Spokesperson and his continued role as Principal Deputy Spokesperson.

About Miller

Miller is currently a partner at strategic advisory firm, Vianovo, which works on “high-stakes brand, policy, and crisis issues.” Vianovo was founded in 2005 and has helped some of the world’s most recognized names shape public opinion and media conversation, according to its website. Miller’s appointment comes as the State Department continues its commitment to access and transparency.