Negroponte Set To Become New Deputy Secretary of State
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
WASHINGTON — National Intelligence Director John Negroponte will resign to become deputy secretary of state, a government official said last night.
Mr. Negroponte took over in 2005 as the nation’s first intelligence chief, responsible for overseeing all 16 American spy agencies. He will return to his roots as a career diplomat to become the no. 2 to Secretary of State Rice, the official said.
The official said the timing of Mr. Negroponte’s departure was uncertain but that it was expected soon. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because there has been no announcement of the move.
Mr. Negroponte, 67, is stepping down as President Bush develops a new strategy on Iraq.
He has been at the center of the Iraq debate since before the American-led invasion in March 2003 — first as American ambassador to the United Nations, then as ambassador to Baghdad and intelligence chief.
His move to the State Department must be confirmed by the Senate.
A spokesman for the Office of the National Intelligence Director declined to comment.
In an interview with C-SPAN last month, Mr. Negroponte indicated that he wanted to stay on through the Bush administration.
