Matthew Pottinger
Matthew Forbes Pottinger (born 1973) is an American former journalist and U.S. Marine Corps officer who served as the United States deputy national security advisor from September 22, 2019 to January 7, 2021. Previously Asia director on the National Security Council since 2017, his tenure was unusual among senior aides serving under President Trump for its length, given an administration marked by high turnover. Pottinger worked to develop the Trump administration's policies towards China.
Matt Pottinger | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32nd United States Principal Deputy National Security Advisor | |||||||
| In office September 22, 2019 – January 7, 2021 | |||||||
| President | Donald Trump | ||||||
| Preceded by | Charles Kupperman | ||||||
| Succeeded by | Jonathan Finer | ||||||
| Personal details | |||||||
| Born | Matthew Forbes Pottinger 1973 (age 50–51) | ||||||
| Spouse |
Yen Duong (m. 2014) | ||||||
| Children | 2 | ||||||
| Parent |
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| Education | University of Massachusetts, Amherst (BA) | ||||||
| Military service | |||||||
| Allegiance | United States | ||||||
| Branch/service | United States Marine Corps | ||||||
| Years of service | 2005–2010 (active) 2010–present (reserve) | ||||||
| Rank | Major | ||||||
| Battles/wars | Iraq War War in Afghanistan | ||||||
| Awards | Bronze Star Combat Action Ribbon Defense Meritorious Service Medal | ||||||
| Chinese name | |||||||
| Chinese | 博明 | ||||||
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Pottinger submitted his resignation in the afternoon of January 6, in response to the 2021 United States Capitol attack. He left the White House the following morning.
Pottinger currently serves as Chairman of the China Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).