United States Deputy Secretary of State

Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America
Seal of the Department of State
Flag of the Deputy Secretary of State
Incumbent Thomas A. Shannon Jr. Acting since February 1, 2017
U.S. Department of State
Reports to	The United States Secretary of State
Seat	Washington, D.C.
Appointer	The President with Senate advice and consent
Term length	No fixed term
Formation	July 13, 1972
First holder	John N. Irwin, II
Salary	Executive Schedule, level 2
Website	www.state.gov

The Deputy Secretary of State of the United States is the principal deputy to the Secretary of State. If the Secretary of State resigns or dies, the Deputy Secretary of State becomes Acting Secretary of State until the President nominates and the Senate confirms a replacement. The position was created in 1972. Prior to July 13, 1972, the Under Secretary of State had been the second ranking officer of the Department of State. The position is currently vacant, pending a nomination by Donald Trump. Under Secretary for Political Affairs Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. currently serves as the acting Deputy Secretary.

The State Department is the only federal Cabinet-level agency with two co-equal Deputy Secretaries. (See Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources.) This Deputy Secretary of State office is the "first assistant" for the purposes of the Vacancies Reform Act, but both Deputy Secretaries have full delegated authority to act for the Secretary, if not otherwise prohibited by law.