Hillary Clinton Confirms Plans To Leave State Department Next Year

Hillary Clinton confirmed on Friday that she still plans to step down as US Secretary of State, even if President Obama is re-elected for a second term.

Clinton stated that she plans to leave around January’s presidential inauguration, quieting rumors that she could stay if Obama is re-elected, reports The Chicago Tribune.

The Secretary of State stated during an interview published Friday, “It’s really still my same time-frame.” Clinton added:

“I’m aiming to leave shortly after the inauguration; that’s my plan. But I haven’t been able to sit down and talk to the president yet because he’s trying to win an election, which hopefully will be finalized shortly. And then we will talk through how to do the transition.”

An aide for Hillary Clinton cautioned that, despite a report earlier this week that Clinton may be open to staying longer, reporters should not read into any suggestions that the head of the State Department had changed her mind.

During the interview, she stated that she won’t be easily persuaded to stay on for a second term. ABC News notes that Clinton also denied any rumor that she would run for president again, saying:

“You know, I had a wonderful experience running and I am very proud of the support I had and very grateful for the opportunity, but I’m going to be, you know, moving on.”

Friday’s comments have been the most definitive Hillary Clinton has given regarding her plans for the next four years. The Secretary of State has expressed interest in focusing on her work with women and girls once she leaves office. These are topics that she has remained passionate about the past four years, despite devoting her time as America’s top diplomat.