Jack Lew: Difference between revisions

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| education = [[Harvard University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Georgetown University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| education = [[Harvard University]] ([[Bachelor of Arts|BA]])<br>[[Georgetown University]] ([[Juris Doctor|JD]])
| occupation = Attorney, diplomat, government official
| occupation = Attorney, diplomat, government official
| known_for = 76th [[United States Secretary of the Treasury]], 25th [[White House Chief of Staff]], 28th [[United States Ambassador to Israel]], Director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]]
| known_for = 76th [[United States Secretary of the Treasury]]; 25th [[White House Chief of Staff]]; [[Director of the Office of Management and Budget]]; 28th [[United States Ambassador to Israel]]
| awards =
| awards =
| website =
}}
}}


'''Jacob Joseph "Jack" Lew''' (born August 29, 1955) is an American attorney, diplomat, and government official whose career in public service has spanned more than four decades, encompassing some of the most consequential fiscal and diplomatic policy debates in modern American history. Lew served as the 76th [[United States Secretary of the Treasury]] from 2013 to 2017 under President [[Barack Obama]], the 25th [[White House Chief of Staff]] from 2012 to 2013, and the 28th [[United States Ambassador to Israel]] from 2023 to 2025 under President [[Joe Biden]]. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], he holds the distinction of having served as Director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]] (OMB) under two presidents — [[Bill Clinton]] and Barack Obama — making him one of the few individuals to hold that position twice. His government career has been marked by deep involvement in federal budget negotiations, entitlement reform debates, and international economic diplomacy. Since leaving government service, Lew has served as a managing partner at the private equity firm [[Lindsay Goldberg]] and as a visiting professor at [[Columbia University]]'s [[School of International and Public Affairs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Shell Distinguished Lecture Series: Jack Lew on the US Budget, Debt, and Policies Shaping the Future |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/shell-distinguished-lecture-series-jack-lew-us-budget-debt-and-policies-shaping-future |publisher=Baker Institute for Public Policy |date=September 23, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
'''Jacob Joseph''' "'''Jack'''" '''Lew''' (born August 29, 1955) is an American attorney, diplomat, and public policy figure who has held some of the most consequential positions in the United States government over a career spanning more than four decades. He served as the 76th [[United States Secretary of the Treasury]] from 2013 to 2017 under President [[Barack Obama]], as the 25th [[White House Chief of Staff]] from 2012 to 2013, and as the [[Director of the Office of Management and Budget]] (OMB) in both the [[Clinton administration]] and the [[Obama administration]]. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the 28th [[United States Ambassador to Israel]] under President [[Joe Biden]], a posting that coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Israeli-Palestinian relations. A member of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]], Lew has been recognized as one of the foremost experts on the federal budget process in Washington and has shaped fiscal policy across multiple administrations. Since leaving government service, he has served as a managing partner at Lindsay Goldberg, a private equity firm in New York City, and as a visiting professor at [[Columbia University]]'s [[School of International and Public Affairs]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=August 14, 2025 |title=Jack Lew Fast Facts |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/jacob-jack-lew-fast-facts |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Early Life ==
== Early Life ==


Jacob Joseph Lew was born on August 29, 1955, in [[New York City]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Fast Facts |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/jacob-jack-lew-fast-facts |work=CNN |date=August 14, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in New York and developed an interest in public policy and government at an early age. Lew's upbringing in New York City would shape his long career in government and law, and he maintained deep ties to the city throughout his professional life.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jack Lew: The Man Who Could Save Obama's Legacy |url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/jack-lew-the-man-who-could-save-obama-s-legacy-20121101 |work=National Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Jacob Joseph Lew was born on August 29, 1955, in [[New York City]].<ref name="cnn">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=August 14, 2025 |title=Jack Lew Fast Facts |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/jacob-jack-lew-fast-facts |work=CNN |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He grew up in New York and developed an early interest in public policy and government. Lew became engaged in Democratic politics at a young age, and his formative years in New York City exposed him to the complexities of urban governance and public service that would come to define his career.
 
Lew's early political engagement led him to work on [[Capitol Hill]] as a young man, where he gained firsthand experience in the legislative process and federal policymaking. His early career trajectory reflected a consistent orientation toward the intersection of law, public policy, and government service. These experiences would provide the foundation for his later roles in budget management and fiscal policy at the highest levels of the federal government.<ref name="natjournal">{{cite news |last= |first= |date=November 1, 2012 |title=Jack Lew: The Man Who Could Save Obama's Legacy |url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/jack-lew-the-man-who-could-save-obama-s-legacy-20121101 |work=National Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Education ==
== Education ==


Lew attended [[Carleton College]] in Northfield, Minnesota, before transferring to [[Harvard University]], where he earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree.<ref>{{cite web |title=Obama Appoints Former Carleton Student as Secretary of Treasury |url=https://www.carleton.edu/news/stories/obama-appoints-former-carleton-student-as-secretary-of-treasury/ |publisher=Carleton College |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He subsequently attended [[Georgetown University Law Center]], where he earned his [[Juris Doctor]] degree.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Named Obama Chief of Staff |url=http://www.georgetown.edu/news/jack-lew-obama-chief-of-staff.html |publisher=Georgetown University |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His legal training at Georgetown would prove instrumental in his career as a policy adviser and government official, and he later returned to the university for public engagements, including a 2025 event on fiscal policy hosted by Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solving America's Fiscal Challenges with Jack Lew and Steve Mnuchin |url=https://politics.georgetown.edu/2025/10/15/solving-americas-fiscal-challenges-with-jack-lew-and-steve-mnuchin/ |publisher=Institute of Politics and Public Service, Georgetown University |date=October 15, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Lew attended [[Carleton College]] in Northfield, Minnesota, before transferring to [[Harvard University]], where he earned a [[Bachelor of Arts]] degree.<ref name="carleton">{{cite web |title=Obama Appoints Former Carleton Student as Secretary of Treasury |url=https://www.carleton.edu/news/stories/obama-appoints-former-carleton-student-as-secretary-of-treasury/ |publisher=Carleton College |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He subsequently enrolled at [[Georgetown University Law Center]], where he earned his [[Juris Doctor]] degree.<ref name="georgetown">{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Named Obama Chief of Staff |url=http://www.georgetown.edu/news/jack-lew-obama-chief-of-staff.html |publisher=Georgetown University |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His legal education at Georgetown would prove instrumental in his later roles, providing him with the analytical and legal skills necessary for navigating complex fiscal legislation and intergovernmental negotiations. Lew has maintained ties with Georgetown throughout his career; in 2025, he participated in a discussion at Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service alongside former Treasury Secretary [[Steve Mnuchin]] on the topic of America's fiscal challenges.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solving America's Fiscal Challenges with Jack Lew and Steve Mnuchin |url=https://politics.georgetown.edu/2025/10/15/solving-americas-fiscal-challenges-with-jack-lew-and-steve-mnuchin/ |publisher=Institute of Politics and Public Service, Georgetown University |date=October 15, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==


=== Early Government Service and Congressional Work ===
=== Early Government and Policy Work ===


Lew began his career in public service working on policy issues in Washington, D.C. He developed expertise in federal budget policy and domestic affairs, which would become central themes of his career. His early work in government laid the groundwork for the senior positions he would later hold in multiple presidential administrations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jack Lew: The Man Who Could Save Obama's Legacy |url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/jack-lew-the-man-who-could-save-obama-s-legacy-20121101 |work=National Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Lew began his career in government working on domestic policy issues and congressional relations. His expertise in the federal budget process grew through successive positions in Washington, where he gained a reputation as a meticulous and knowledgeable policy operative. His early work in government included roles that brought him into close contact with the legislative and executive branches, giving him a broad understanding of how fiscal policy is formulated and implemented in the United States.<ref name="natjournal" />


=== Clinton Administration ===
=== Clinton Administration ===


==== Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget ====
Lew's career in senior government service began in earnest during the [[Presidency of Bill Clinton|Clinton administration]]. He served as Deputy Director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]] from August 1995 to July 1998, succeeding [[John Koskinen]] in the role.<ref name="clintonomb">{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Biography — Office of Management and Budget |url=http://clinton3.nara.gov/omb/organization/lew.html |publisher=Clinton White House Archives, National Archives |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this capacity, Lew was deeply involved in the budget negotiations that characterized the mid-1990s period of divided government, working to advance the Clinton administration's fiscal priorities.


Lew served as Deputy Director of the [[Office of Management and Budget]] under President [[Bill Clinton]] beginning in August 1995, succeeding [[John Koskinen]] in the role. As Deputy Director, he was deeply involved in the budget negotiations of the mid-1990s, a period marked by intense political conflict between the Clinton administration and the Republican-controlled Congress over federal spending, entitlements, and deficit reduction. He served in this capacity until July 31, 1998.<ref>{{cite web |title=OMB Organization: Jacob Lew |url=http://clinton3.nara.gov/omb/organization/lew.html |publisher=National Archives and Records Administration |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
On April 14, 1998, President Clinton nominated Lew to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, succeeding [[Franklin Raines]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Nominated to be OMB Director |url=http://clinton6.nara.gov/1998/04/1998-04-14-jack-lew-nominated-to-be-omb-director.html |publisher=Clinton White House Archives, National Archives |date=April 14, 1998 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nomination of Jack Lew as Director of the Office of Management and Budget |url=http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/New/html/19980415-12692.html |publisher=Clinton White House Archives, National Archives |date=April 15, 1998 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He served in an acting capacity from May 21, 1998, until his formal confirmation on July 31, 1998, and then continued as Director until January 19, 2001. His deputy directors during this period included Joshua Gotbaum (acting) and [[Sylvia Mathews Burwell]].


==== Director of the Office of Management and Budget ====
As OMB Director, Lew presided over one of the most notable periods in modern American fiscal history. The late Clinton era was marked by federal budget surpluses — a rarity in the postwar period — and Lew played a central role in the budget negotiations and fiscal discipline that produced those surpluses. His tenure at OMB during this period established him as one of Washington's preeminent experts on the federal budget and earned him a reputation for mastery of budgetary detail.<ref name="natjournal" />


On April 14, 1998, President Clinton nominated Lew to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, succeeding [[Franklin Raines]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Nominated to Be OMB Director |url=http://clinton6.nara.gov/1998/04/1998-04-14-jack-lew-nominated-to-be-omb-director.html |publisher=National Archives and Records Administration |date=April 14, 1998 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He initially served in an acting capacity beginning May 21, 1998, before being formally confirmed, and served until January 19, 2001.<ref>{{cite web |title=Remarks by the President and OMB Director Designate Jack Lew |url=http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/New/html/19980415-12692.html |publisher=National Archives and Records Administration |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Between Administrations ===


As OMB Director during the final years of the Clinton administration, Lew presided over a period of federal budget surpluses — the first in decades. He played a central role in fiscal negotiations and helped craft budgets that achieved balanced federal finances. His tenure at OMB during this era established his reputation as one of the most experienced budget policy officials in Washington, a credential that would lead to his return to the same post more than a decade later.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jack Lew: The Man Who Could Save Obama's Legacy |url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/jack-lew-the-man-who-could-save-obama-s-legacy-20121101 |work=National Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Following the conclusion of the Clinton administration in January 2001, Lew transitioned to the private and academic sectors. He was succeeded as OMB Director by [[Mitch Daniels]] under the incoming [[George W. Bush administration]]. During this period, Lew worked in various capacities, including in the private sector and at academic institutions, maintaining his engagement with policy issues.<ref name="cnn" />
 
=== Private Sector and Academic Work ===
 
Between his service in the Clinton and Obama administrations, Lew worked in the private sector and in academic administration. He was involved in various policy and management roles during this period. His private sector experience later drew scrutiny during his nomination for Treasury Secretary, including questions about investments linked to the [[Cayman Islands]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Oversaw $113 Cayman Island Investment Funds |url=http://m.weeklystandard.com/blogs/jack-lew-oversaw-113-cayman-island-investment-funds_701211.html |publisher=The Weekly Standard |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Critics, including journalist [[Matt Taibbi]] and academic [[William K. Black]], raised questions about aspects of Lew's private sector tenure.<ref>{{cite web |title=Matt Taibbi, Bill Black: Obama's New Treasury Secretary a Failure of Epic Proportions |url=http://www.alternet.org/economy/matt-taibbi-bill-black-obamas-new-treasury-secretary-failure-epic-proportions?page=0,1 |publisher=AlterNet |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Separately, his tenure in the private sector included a period that drew attention regarding labor relations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jack Lew's Union-Busting Past |url=http://www.salon.com/2013/01/09/jack_lews_union_busting_past/ |work=Salon |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


=== Obama Administration ===
=== Obama Administration ===
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==== Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources ====
==== Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources ====


In late 2008, the incoming Obama administration tapped Lew for a senior role in the new national security team. He was named to the newly created position of [[Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources]], the first person to hold the title.<ref>{{cite web |title=National Security Team Additions |url=http://realclearpolitics.blogs.time.com/2008/12/23/natl-security-team-additions/ |publisher=Time/RealClearPolitics |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Obama National Security Team Takes Shape |url=http://lostintransition.nationaljournal.com/2008/12/obama-national-security-team-takes-shape.php |publisher=National Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this role, which he held from January 28, 2009, to November 18, 2010, Lew was responsible for overseeing the management, budget, and administrative operations of the [[United States Department of State]]. He was succeeded in the position by [[Thomas R. Nides]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Nomination Hearing on Jacob J. Lew |url=http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/minority-media/thompson-schedules-nomination-hearing-on-jacob-j-lew |publisher=U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
When President Barack Obama took office in January 2009, Lew was tapped for a newly created position: the first [[Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources]]. He was appointed on January 28, 2009, serving under Secretary of State [[Hillary Clinton]].<ref>{{cite web |title=National Security Team Additions |url=http://realclearpolitics.blogs.time.com/2008/12/23/natl-security-team-additions/ |publisher=Time/RealClearPolitics |date=December 23, 2008 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Obama National Security Team Takes Shape |url=http://lostintransition.nationaljournal.com/2008/12/obama-national-security-team-takes-shape.php |publisher=National Journal |date=December 2008 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In this role, Lew was responsible for overseeing the management and resource allocation functions of the [[United States Department of State|State Department]], including budgetary planning and administrative operations. He served in this capacity until November 18, 2010, and was succeeded by [[Thomas R. Nides]].<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=July 15, 2009 |title=Lew at State Department |url=http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0709/071509l1.htm |work=Government Executive |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


==== Return as Director of the Office of Management and Budget ====
==== Return to OMB ====


In September 2010, President Obama nominated Lew to return to his former post as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, making him one of the few individuals in American history to serve as OMB Director under two different presidents.<ref>{{cite news |title=Obama Nominee Jacob Lew for OMB |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/21/obama-nominee-jacob-lew-f_n_732594.html |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He assumed the position on November 18, 2010, succeeding acting director [[Jeff Zients]], and served until January 27, 2012.
On November 18, 2010, Lew returned to his familiar post as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, succeeding [[Jeff Zients]] who had served in an acting capacity.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=September 21, 2010 |title=Obama Nominee Jacob Lew |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/21/obama-nominee-jacob-lew-f_n_732594.html |work=Huffington Post |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> This made Lew one of the rare figures in American government to serve as OMB Director under two different presidents. His deputy directors during this second tenure included Jeffrey Liebman (acting) and [[Heather Higginbottom]].


During his second tenure as OMB Director, Lew was at the center of some of the most contentious budget battles of the Obama era. He was responsible for preparing and defending the president's annual budget proposals at a time when debates over the federal deficit, the national debt ceiling, and government spending dominated Washington politics. In a 2011 opinion piece, Lew outlined the administration's approach to the 2012 federal budget, framing the discussion in terms of the need to balance investment in economic growth with fiscal responsibility.<ref>{{cite web |title=The 2012 Budget |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-lew/the-2012-budget_b_823041.html |work=The Huffington Post |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His budget proposals and approach drew both support and criticism. Some commentators accused the OMB under his direction of adopting overly austere positions on spending.<ref>{{cite web |title=Obama's OMB Channels Its Inner Tea Party |url=http://neweconomicperspectives.org/2012/12/obamas-omb-channels-its-inner-tea-party.html |publisher=New Economic Perspectives |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
During his second stint at OMB, Lew was tasked with navigating an extraordinarily challenging fiscal environment. The aftermath of the [[Great Recession]] had produced large federal deficits, and the political landscape was shaped by intense debates over government spending, deficit reduction, and the national debt. Lew was central to the Obama administration's budget proposals and negotiations with Congress during this period.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lew |first=Jacob |date= |title=The 2012 Budget |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-lew/the-2012-budget_b_823041.html |work=Huffington Post |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His approach to fiscal policy during this period drew both praise from those who valued his emphasis on deficit reduction and criticism from some commentators who argued that his positions on spending reflected austerity-oriented thinking.<ref>{{cite web |title=Obama's OMB Channels Its Inner Tea Party |url=http://neweconomicperspectives.org/2012/12/obamas-omb-channels-its-inner-tea-party.html |publisher=New Economic Perspectives |date=December 2012 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


During this period, Lew's involvement in community service was also noted; he was documented participating in events such as a [[City Year]] New York initiative in January 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=Director Jack Lew Blogs About CYNY |url=http://cityyearnewyork.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/director-jack-lew-blogs-about-cyny/ |publisher=City Year New York |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
Lew served as OMB Director until January 27, 2012, when he moved to his next role in the administration.


==== White House Chief of Staff ====
==== White House Chief of Staff ====


On January 9, 2012, President Obama announced the appointment of Lew as the 25th [[White House Chief of Staff]], succeeding [[Bill Daley]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Named Obama Chief of Staff |url=http://www.georgetown.edu/news/jack-lew-obama-chief-of-staff.html |publisher=Georgetown University |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He assumed the position on January 27, 2012, and served through the remainder of Obama's first term, until January 20, 2013. As Chief of Staff, Lew was the president's top adviser and gatekeeper, coordinating White House operations, legislative strategy, and policy development during a politically charged period that included Obama's 2012 reelection campaign and continued negotiations with Congress over fiscal policy.<ref>{{cite news |title=Jack Lew: The Man Who Could Save Obama's Legacy |url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/jack-lew-the-man-who-could-save-obama-s-legacy-20121101 |work=National Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
On January 27, 2012, Lew was appointed as the 25th [[White House Chief of Staff]], succeeding [[Bill Daley]].<ref name="georgetown" /> In this role, Lew served as the principal gatekeeper to the President and was responsible for managing the White House staff, coordinating the administration's policy agenda, and serving as a key adviser to President Obama. His appointment reflected Obama's confidence in Lew's organizational abilities and his deep knowledge of the federal government.


A November 2012 profile in ''National Journal'' characterized Lew as a figure with the potential to play a defining role in Obama's second-term legacy, given his deep expertise in fiscal policy and his reputation as a skilled negotiator. The article highlighted Lew's extensive experience with budget negotiations dating back to the Clinton era and his central role in the fiscal debates of the Obama administration.<ref name="nj-profile">{{cite news |title=Jack Lew: The Man Who Could Save Obama's Legacy |url=http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/jack-lew-the-man-who-could-save-obama-s-legacy-20121101 |work=National Journal |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
As Chief of Staff, Lew oversaw White House operations during a critical period that included the lead-up to the [[2012 United States presidential election|2012 presidential election]] and the continuation of contentious fiscal negotiations with Congress. His tenure was characterized by the same low-key, detail-oriented approach that had defined his earlier government service. ''National Journal'' profiled Lew during this period, describing him as a figure who could help shape Obama's legacy through his command of policy and budgetary detail.<ref name="natjournal" />
 
Lew served as Chief of Staff until January 20, 2013, when he was succeeded by [[Denis McDonough]].


==== Secretary of the Treasury ====
==== Secretary of the Treasury ====


On January 10, 2013, President Obama nominated Lew to serve as the 76th [[United States Secretary of the Treasury]], replacing the retiring [[Timothy Geithner]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Obama Appoints Former Carleton Student as Secretary of Treasury |url=https://www.carleton.edu/news/stories/obama-appoints-former-carleton-student-as-secretary-of-treasury/ |publisher=Carleton College |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The [[United States Senate]] confirmed Lew on February 27, 2013, and he was sworn in the following day, February 28, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Fast Facts |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/jacob-jack-lew-fast-facts |work=CNN |date=August 14, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
On January 10, 2013, President Obama nominated Lew to serve as the 76th [[United States Secretary of the Treasury]], replacing the retiring [[Timothy Geithner]].<ref name="carleton" /> The [[United States Senate]] confirmed Lew on February 27, 2013, and he was sworn in the following day, February 28, 2013.<ref name="cnn" />


During his confirmation process, Lew faced questions from senators regarding his private sector background, including his oversight of investment funds with connections to the Cayman Islands and aspects of his tenure in the private sector before returning to government.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Oversaw $113 Cayman Island Investment Funds |url=http://m.weeklystandard.com/blogs/jack-lew-oversaw-113-cayman-island-investment-funds_701211.html |publisher=The Weekly Standard |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
During his confirmation process, Lew faced questions about his tenure in the private sector, including his involvement with investment funds domiciled in the [[Cayman Islands]] during his time at [[Citigroup]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Oversaw $113 Cayman Island Investment Funds |url=http://m.weeklystandard.com/blogs/jack-lew-oversaw-113-cayman-island-investment-funds_701211.html |publisher=The Weekly Standard |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His nomination also drew scrutiny from some commentators regarding his record on financial regulation and his approach to labor issues.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=January 9, 2013 |title=Jack Lew's Union-Busting Past |url=http://www.salon.com/2013/01/09/jack_lews_union_busting_past/ |work=Salon |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Matt Taibbi and Bill Black on Obama's New Treasury Secretary |url=http://www.alternet.org/economy/matt-taibbi-bill-black-obamas-new-treasury-secretary-failure-epic-proportions?page=0,1 |publisher=AlterNet |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> His nomination hearing was scheduled by the [[United States Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs|Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Thompson Schedules Nomination Hearing on Jacob J. Lew |url=http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/minority-media/thompson-schedules-nomination-hearing-on-jacob-j-lew |publisher=U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs |date= |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


As Treasury Secretary, Lew served from February 28, 2013, to January 20, 2017, covering the entirety of President Obama's second term. His deputies during this period included [[Neal S. Wolin]], [[Mary J. Miller]] (acting), and [[Sarah Bloom Raskin]]. Lew oversaw the Treasury Department during a period of economic recovery following the [[Great Recession]], managed ongoing debates over the federal debt ceiling, and represented the United States in international economic forums. He was succeeded by [[Steven Mnuchin]] upon the inauguration of President [[Donald Trump]].
As Treasury Secretary, Lew served as the principal economic adviser to the President and as the head of the [[United States Department of the Treasury|Department of the Treasury]], overseeing a vast array of responsibilities including fiscal policy, financial regulation, international economic affairs, and the management of the nation's finances. His deputy secretaries during his tenure included [[Neal S. Wolin]], [[Mary J. Miller]] (acting), and [[Sarah Bloom Raskin]].


One notable aspect of Lew's Treasury tenure was the public attention his signature received. His distinctive, loopy signature — which would appear on U.S. currency — drew widespread media commentary when his nomination was announced. Lew subsequently modified his signature for use on banknotes.
Lew's tenure at Treasury coincided with several significant economic and fiscal developments, including ongoing debates over the [[United States debt ceiling|debt ceiling]], the implementation of [[Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act|Dodd-Frank financial reforms]], and international economic negotiations. His signature, which appeared on U.S. currency, initially drew attention for its looping, illegible style; Lew subsequently adopted a more legible version for use on banknotes.


=== Post-Obama Administration and Private Sector ===
Lew served as Treasury Secretary for the remainder of the Obama administration, leaving office on January 20, 2017, and was succeeded by [[Steven Mnuchin]].


After leaving the Treasury Department in January 2017, Lew joined [[Lindsay Goldberg]], a private equity firm headquartered in New York City, as a managing partner. He also became a visiting professor at the [[School of International and Public Affairs]] at [[Columbia University]], where he has engaged in teaching and public discussion of fiscal policy, international relations, and governance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shell Distinguished Lecture Series: Jack Lew on the US Budget, Debt, and Policies Shaping the Future |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/shell-distinguished-lecture-series-jack-lew-us-budget-debt-and-policies-shaping-future |publisher=Baker Institute for Public Policy |date=September 23, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
=== Private Sector and Academia ===
 
Following his departure from the Treasury Department, Lew joined Lindsay Goldberg, a private equity firm headquartered in New York City, as a managing partner. He also became a visiting professor at Columbia University's [[School of International and Public Affairs]], where he has engaged with students and scholars on issues of public policy, fiscal affairs, and international relations.<ref name="cnn" />


=== United States Ambassador to Israel ===
=== United States Ambassador to Israel ===


On September 5, 2023, President [[Joe Biden]] nominated Lew to serve as the 28th [[United States Ambassador to Israel]], succeeding [[Thomas R. Nides]]. He was confirmed and began his ambassadorial service on November 5, 2023. His appointment came at a particularly volatile time in the [[Israeli–Palestinian conflict]], as the [[2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas]] and the subsequent Israeli military operations in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]] had dramatically escalated tensions in the region.
On November 5, 2023, Lew was sworn in as the 28th [[United States Ambassador to Israel]], appointed by President [[Joe Biden]]. He succeeded [[Thomas R. Nides]] in the position.<ref name="cnn" /> Lew's posting to Israel came at a period of extraordinary tension, following the [[2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel|October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel]] and the subsequent Israeli military operations in [[Gaza Strip|Gaza]].


Lew served as ambassador throughout the period of the [[Israel–Hamas war]], representing U.S. interests and managing the bilateral relationship between the United States and Israel during one of the most intense periods of conflict in the region's recent history. He served until January 20, 2025, and was succeeded by [[Mike Huckabee]] under the incoming Trump administration.
Lew's ambassadorship was marked by the diplomatic complexities arising from the Israel-Gaza conflict. He served as the primary diplomatic representative of the United States to Israel during a period of intense international scrutiny of the conflict and its humanitarian consequences. In October 2025, after leaving the post, Lew discussed the challenges of rebuilding Gaza in an interview with [[NPR]], addressing the devastation wrought by the war and the question of what would be needed for reconstruction.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=October 13, 2025 |title=The war devastated Gaza, destroying entire communities. What will it take to rebuild |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/10/13/nx-s1-5570828/the-war-devastated-gaza-destroying-entire-communities-what-will-it-take-to-rebuild |work=NPR |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


His tenure as ambassador later drew significant scrutiny. In early 2026, [[Reuters]] reported that U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) staffers had drafted early warnings about conditions in Gaza during 2024, but that these warnings were blocked by U.S. envoys in Israel from reaching senior officials.<ref>{{cite news |title=US envoys blocked early warning of Gaza 'Apocalyptic Wasteland' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/early-warning-apocalyptic-wasteland-gaza-blocked-by-us-envoys-israel-2026-01-30/ |work=Reuters |date=January 30, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> The [[Council on American-Islamic Relations]] (CAIR) subsequently issued a statement condemning Lew and other Biden administration officials for what the organization described as concealing reports regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAIR Calls Biden Officials Jack Lew, Stephanie Hallett 'War Criminals' for Concealing Reports of Gaza Genocide |url=https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-biden-officials-jack-lew-stephanie-hallett-war-criminals-for-concealing-reports-of-gaza-genocide/ |publisher=Council on American-Islamic Relations |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
His tenure drew significant criticism from some quarters. The [[Council on American-Islamic Relations]] (CAIR) accused Lew and other Biden administration officials of concealing reports regarding conditions in Gaza, characterizing them in strongly negative terms.<ref>{{cite web |title=CAIR Calls Biden Officials Jack Lew, Stephanie Hallett 'War Criminals' for Concealing Reports of Gaza Genocide |url=https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-biden-officials-jack-lew-stephanie-hallett-war-criminals-for-concealing-reports-of-gaza-genocide/ |publisher=Council on American-Islamic Relations |date=2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> A Reuters investigation reported that U.S. Agency for International Development staffers had drafted early warnings about catastrophic conditions in Gaza in early 2024, but that these warnings were blocked from reaching senior officials by U.S. envoys in Israel.<ref>{{cite news |last= |first= |date=January 30, 2026 |title=US envoys blocked early warning of Gaza 'Apocalyptic Wasteland' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/early-warning-apocalyptic-wasteland-gaza-blocked-by-us-envoys-israel-2026-01-30/ |work=Reuters |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
Lew served as ambassador until January 20, 2025, and was succeeded by [[Mike Huckabee]], appointed by President [[Donald Trump]].


=== Post-Ambassadorial Activities ===
=== Post-Ambassadorial Activities ===


Following the end of his ambassadorial service, Lew returned to public commentary on fiscal and foreign policy matters. In September 2025, he delivered the Shell Distinguished Lecture at the [[Baker Institute for Public Policy]] at [[Rice University]], where he discussed the U.S. budget, national debt, and policies shaping the future.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shell Distinguished Lecture Series: Jack Lew on the US Budget, Debt, and Policies Shaping the Future |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/shell-distinguished-lecture-series-jack-lew-us-budget-debt-and-policies-shaping-future |publisher=Baker Institute for Public Policy |date=September 23, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
After leaving the ambassadorship, Lew returned to public engagement on policy issues. In September 2025, he delivered a Shell Distinguished Lecture at the [[Baker Institute for Public Policy]] at [[Rice University]], addressing the U.S. budget, national debt, and policies shaping the nation's economic future.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shell Distinguished Lecture Series: Jack Lew on the US Budget, Debt, and Policies Shaping the Future |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/shell-distinguished-lecture-series-jack-lew-us-budget-debt-and-policies-shaping-future |publisher=Baker Institute for Public Policy |date=September 23, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> In October 2025, he participated in a bipartisan discussion on fiscal challenges at Georgetown University alongside former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, hosted by the Institute of Politics and Public Service in partnership with the [[Peter G. Peterson Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Solving America's Fiscal Challenges with Jack Lew and Steve Mnuchin |url=https://politics.georgetown.edu/2025/10/15/solving-americas-fiscal-challenges-with-jack-lew-and-steve-mnuchin/ |publisher=Institute of Politics and Public Service, Georgetown University |date=October 15, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
In October 2025, Lew participated in a public conversation with his successor as Treasury Secretary, [[Steven Mnuchin]], at Georgetown University's Institute of Politics and Public Service, co-hosted by the [[Peter G. Peterson Foundation]], on the subject of solving America's fiscal challenges.<ref>{{cite web |title=Solving America's Fiscal Challenges with Jack Lew and Steve Mnuchin |url=https://politics.georgetown.edu/2025/10/15/solving-americas-fiscal-challenges-with-jack-lew-and-steve-mnuchin/ |publisher=Institute of Politics and Public Service, Georgetown University |date=October 15, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Also in October 2025, Lew discussed the challenges of rebuilding Gaza following the war in an interview with [[NPR]].<ref>{{cite news |title=The war devastated Gaza, destroying entire communities. What will it take to rebuild |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/10/13/nx-s1-5570828/the-war-devastated-gaza-destroying-entire-communities-what-will-it-take-to-rebuild |work=NPR |date=October 13, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


In January 2026, Lew appeared on [[Bloomberg Television]] to discuss [[Federal Reserve]] independence, stating that using legal prosecution to pressure the Federal Reserve chair would set a dangerous precedent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Watch Fmr. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Fed Independence |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-15/fmr-treasury-secretary-jack-lew-on-fed-independence-video |publisher=Bloomberg.com |date=January 15, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
In January 2026, Lew commented publicly on the importance of [[Federal Reserve]] independence, stating in a Bloomberg interview that using legal prosecution to pressure the Federal Reserve chair would set a dangerous precedent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Fmr. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Fed Independence |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-15/fmr-treasury-secretary-jack-lew-on-fed-independence-video |publisher=Bloomberg |date=January 15, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Personal Life ==
== Personal Life ==


Lew is married to Ruth Schwartz. The couple has two children.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jack Lew Fast Facts |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/jacob-jack-lew-fast-facts |work=CNN |date=August 14, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> Lew is [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox Jewish]] and has been noted for his observance of the [[Sabbath]]. He has been associated with various civic and community organizations throughout his career, including engagement with [[Yeshiva University]], where he participated in events such as the university's Hanukkah dinner and convocation in November 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=YU Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation |url=http://blogs.yu.edu/news/2012/11/26/yu-hanukkah-dinner-and-convocation/ |publisher=Yeshiva University |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He maintains residences in the New York City area.
Jack Lew is married to Ruth Schwartz, and the couple has two children.<ref name="cnn" /> The family resides in New York. Lew is an [[Orthodox Judaism|Orthodox Jew]] and has been noted for his observance of the [[Shabbat]], which has occasionally been referenced in media coverage of his public service. He has been involved in community activities, including engagement with [[City Year]] New York.<ref>{{cite web |title=Director Jack Lew Blogs About CYNY |url=http://cityyearnewyork.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/director-jack-lew-blogs-about-cyny/ |publisher=City Year New York |date=January 18, 2011 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref> He has also participated in events at [[Yeshiva University]], including the university's Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation.<ref>{{cite web |title=YU Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation |url=http://blogs.yu.edu/news/2012/11/26/yu-hanukkah-dinner-and-convocation/ |publisher=Yeshiva University |date=November 26, 2012 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
 
== Recognition ==
 
Lew's career in government has been the subject of extensive media coverage and analysis. A 2012 ''National Journal'' profile described him as a figure with unmatched expertise in federal budget policy, noting his role in negotiations dating back to the Clinton-era budget surpluses.<ref name="nj-profile" /> His appointment as Treasury Secretary in 2013 was covered by news organizations internationally, with particular attention paid to his experience as a two-time OMB Director and White House Chief of Staff.
 
Following his service in government, Lew has been a sought-after speaker on fiscal and foreign policy topics. His 2025 appearances at the Baker Institute, Georgetown University, and on NPR and Bloomberg underscore his continued role as a commentator on economic and international affairs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shell Distinguished Lecture Series: Jack Lew on the US Budget, Debt, and Policies Shaping the Future |url=https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/shell-distinguished-lecture-series-jack-lew-us-budget-debt-and-policies-shaping-future |publisher=Baker Institute for Public Policy |date=September 23, 2025 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>


== Legacy ==
== Legacy ==


Lew's career is notable for its breadth and longevity at the highest levels of the U.S. federal government. As one of the few individuals to have served as OMB Director under two different presidents, White House Chief of Staff, and Treasury Secretary, he accumulated an unusually deep institutional knowledge of federal fiscal policy. His involvement in the budget negotiations of the 1990s — which produced the first federal surpluses in a generation — and the fiscal debates of the Obama era, including the debt ceiling crises and sequestration negotiations, placed him at the center of some of the most consequential economic policy decisions of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.<ref name="nj-profile" />
Jack Lew's career in public service spans more than four decades and encompasses some of the most consequential fiscal and diplomatic positions in the United States government. His dual tenures as Director of the Office of Management and Budget — under two different presidents — are a distinction shared by few in American history and reflect his reputation as a preeminent authority on the federal budget process. His service during the Clinton-era budget surpluses and his management of fiscal policy during the post-recession Obama years placed him at the center of defining debates about the role of government spending, taxation, and deficit management in the American economy.<ref name="natjournal" />


His ambassadorship to Israel during the Israel–Hamas war of 2023–2025 added a significant diplomatic dimension to his career, though it also proved to be his most controversial assignment, generating scrutiny from humanitarian organizations and media reports regarding the handling of information about conditions in Gaza.<ref>{{cite news |title=US envoys blocked early warning of Gaza 'Apocalyptic Wasteland' |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/early-warning-apocalyptic-wasteland-gaza-blocked-by-us-envoys-israel-2026-01-30/ |work=Reuters |date=January 30, 2026 |access-date=2026-02-24}}</ref>
As Treasury Secretary, Lew steered the department during a period of economic recovery and ongoing regulatory reform following the 2008 financial crisis. His ambassadorship to Israel, while briefer, placed him at the center of one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of the 2020s, and his handling of that role has been the subject of both praise and criticism.


As of 2026, Lew continues to participate in public discourse on fiscal policy, the national debt, and international affairs through his academic position at Columbia University and through public lectures and media appearances.
Since leaving government, Lew has continued to contribute to public discourse on fiscal policy, economic governance, and international affairs through academic engagement, public lectures, and media commentary. His career trajectory — from budget analyst to Treasury Secretary to diplomat — reflects a sustained commitment to government service at the intersection of law, economics, and international relations.


== References ==
== References ==
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Latest revision as of 22:53, 24 February 2026



Jack Lew
BornJacob Joseph Lew
29 8, 1955
BirthplaceNew York City, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationAttorney, diplomat, government official
Known for76th United States Secretary of the Treasury; 25th White House Chief of Staff; Director of the Office of Management and Budget; 28th United States Ambassador to Israel
EducationHarvard University (BA)
Georgetown University (JD)
Spouse(s)Ruth Schwartz
Children2

Jacob Joseph "Jack" Lew (born August 29, 1955) is an American attorney, diplomat, and public policy figure who has held some of the most consequential positions in the United States government over a career spanning more than four decades. He served as the 76th United States Secretary of the Treasury from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama, as the 25th White House Chief of Staff from 2012 to 2013, and as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in both the Clinton administration and the Obama administration. From 2023 to 2025, he served as the 28th United States Ambassador to Israel under President Joe Biden, a posting that coincided with one of the most turbulent periods in Israeli-Palestinian relations. A member of the Democratic Party, Lew has been recognized as one of the foremost experts on the federal budget process in Washington and has shaped fiscal policy across multiple administrations. Since leaving government service, he has served as a managing partner at Lindsay Goldberg, a private equity firm in New York City, and as a visiting professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.[1]

Early Life

Jacob Joseph Lew was born on August 29, 1955, in New York City.[2] He grew up in New York and developed an early interest in public policy and government. Lew became engaged in Democratic politics at a young age, and his formative years in New York City exposed him to the complexities of urban governance and public service that would come to define his career.

Lew's early political engagement led him to work on Capitol Hill as a young man, where he gained firsthand experience in the legislative process and federal policymaking. His early career trajectory reflected a consistent orientation toward the intersection of law, public policy, and government service. These experiences would provide the foundation for his later roles in budget management and fiscal policy at the highest levels of the federal government.[3]

Education

Lew attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, before transferring to Harvard University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[4] He subsequently enrolled at Georgetown University Law Center, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree.[5] His legal education at Georgetown would prove instrumental in his later roles, providing him with the analytical and legal skills necessary for navigating complex fiscal legislation and intergovernmental negotiations. Lew has maintained ties with Georgetown throughout his career; in 2025, he participated in a discussion at Georgetown's Institute of Politics and Public Service alongside former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin on the topic of America's fiscal challenges.[6]

Career

Early Government and Policy Work

Lew began his career in government working on domestic policy issues and congressional relations. His expertise in the federal budget process grew through successive positions in Washington, where he gained a reputation as a meticulous and knowledgeable policy operative. His early work in government included roles that brought him into close contact with the legislative and executive branches, giving him a broad understanding of how fiscal policy is formulated and implemented in the United States.[3]

Clinton Administration

Lew's career in senior government service began in earnest during the Clinton administration. He served as Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget from August 1995 to July 1998, succeeding John Koskinen in the role.[7] In this capacity, Lew was deeply involved in the budget negotiations that characterized the mid-1990s period of divided government, working to advance the Clinton administration's fiscal priorities.

On April 14, 1998, President Clinton nominated Lew to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, succeeding Franklin Raines.[8][9] He served in an acting capacity from May 21, 1998, until his formal confirmation on July 31, 1998, and then continued as Director until January 19, 2001. His deputy directors during this period included Joshua Gotbaum (acting) and Sylvia Mathews Burwell.

As OMB Director, Lew presided over one of the most notable periods in modern American fiscal history. The late Clinton era was marked by federal budget surpluses — a rarity in the postwar period — and Lew played a central role in the budget negotiations and fiscal discipline that produced those surpluses. His tenure at OMB during this period established him as one of Washington's preeminent experts on the federal budget and earned him a reputation for mastery of budgetary detail.[3]

Between Administrations

Following the conclusion of the Clinton administration in January 2001, Lew transitioned to the private and academic sectors. He was succeeded as OMB Director by Mitch Daniels under the incoming George W. Bush administration. During this period, Lew worked in various capacities, including in the private sector and at academic institutions, maintaining his engagement with policy issues.[2]

Obama Administration

Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources

When President Barack Obama took office in January 2009, Lew was tapped for a newly created position: the first Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. He was appointed on January 28, 2009, serving under Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.[10][11] In this role, Lew was responsible for overseeing the management and resource allocation functions of the State Department, including budgetary planning and administrative operations. He served in this capacity until November 18, 2010, and was succeeded by Thomas R. Nides.[12]

Return to OMB

On November 18, 2010, Lew returned to his familiar post as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, succeeding Jeff Zients who had served in an acting capacity.[13] This made Lew one of the rare figures in American government to serve as OMB Director under two different presidents. His deputy directors during this second tenure included Jeffrey Liebman (acting) and Heather Higginbottom.

During his second stint at OMB, Lew was tasked with navigating an extraordinarily challenging fiscal environment. The aftermath of the Great Recession had produced large federal deficits, and the political landscape was shaped by intense debates over government spending, deficit reduction, and the national debt. Lew was central to the Obama administration's budget proposals and negotiations with Congress during this period.[14] His approach to fiscal policy during this period drew both praise from those who valued his emphasis on deficit reduction and criticism from some commentators who argued that his positions on spending reflected austerity-oriented thinking.[15]

Lew served as OMB Director until January 27, 2012, when he moved to his next role in the administration.

White House Chief of Staff

On January 27, 2012, Lew was appointed as the 25th White House Chief of Staff, succeeding Bill Daley.[5] In this role, Lew served as the principal gatekeeper to the President and was responsible for managing the White House staff, coordinating the administration's policy agenda, and serving as a key adviser to President Obama. His appointment reflected Obama's confidence in Lew's organizational abilities and his deep knowledge of the federal government.

As Chief of Staff, Lew oversaw White House operations during a critical period that included the lead-up to the 2012 presidential election and the continuation of contentious fiscal negotiations with Congress. His tenure was characterized by the same low-key, detail-oriented approach that had defined his earlier government service. National Journal profiled Lew during this period, describing him as a figure who could help shape Obama's legacy through his command of policy and budgetary detail.[3]

Lew served as Chief of Staff until January 20, 2013, when he was succeeded by Denis McDonough.

Secretary of the Treasury

On January 10, 2013, President Obama nominated Lew to serve as the 76th United States Secretary of the Treasury, replacing the retiring Timothy Geithner.[4] The United States Senate confirmed Lew on February 27, 2013, and he was sworn in the following day, February 28, 2013.[2]

During his confirmation process, Lew faced questions about his tenure in the private sector, including his involvement with investment funds domiciled in the Cayman Islands during his time at Citigroup.[16] His nomination also drew scrutiny from some commentators regarding his record on financial regulation and his approach to labor issues.[17][18] His nomination hearing was scheduled by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.[19]

As Treasury Secretary, Lew served as the principal economic adviser to the President and as the head of the Department of the Treasury, overseeing a vast array of responsibilities including fiscal policy, financial regulation, international economic affairs, and the management of the nation's finances. His deputy secretaries during his tenure included Neal S. Wolin, Mary J. Miller (acting), and Sarah Bloom Raskin.

Lew's tenure at Treasury coincided with several significant economic and fiscal developments, including ongoing debates over the debt ceiling, the implementation of Dodd-Frank financial reforms, and international economic negotiations. His signature, which appeared on U.S. currency, initially drew attention for its looping, illegible style; Lew subsequently adopted a more legible version for use on banknotes.

Lew served as Treasury Secretary for the remainder of the Obama administration, leaving office on January 20, 2017, and was succeeded by Steven Mnuchin.

Private Sector and Academia

Following his departure from the Treasury Department, Lew joined Lindsay Goldberg, a private equity firm headquartered in New York City, as a managing partner. He also became a visiting professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, where he has engaged with students and scholars on issues of public policy, fiscal affairs, and international relations.[2]

United States Ambassador to Israel

On November 5, 2023, Lew was sworn in as the 28th United States Ambassador to Israel, appointed by President Joe Biden. He succeeded Thomas R. Nides in the position.[2] Lew's posting to Israel came at a period of extraordinary tension, following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Lew's ambassadorship was marked by the diplomatic complexities arising from the Israel-Gaza conflict. He served as the primary diplomatic representative of the United States to Israel during a period of intense international scrutiny of the conflict and its humanitarian consequences. In October 2025, after leaving the post, Lew discussed the challenges of rebuilding Gaza in an interview with NPR, addressing the devastation wrought by the war and the question of what would be needed for reconstruction.[20]

His tenure drew significant criticism from some quarters. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) accused Lew and other Biden administration officials of concealing reports regarding conditions in Gaza, characterizing them in strongly negative terms.[21] A Reuters investigation reported that U.S. Agency for International Development staffers had drafted early warnings about catastrophic conditions in Gaza in early 2024, but that these warnings were blocked from reaching senior officials by U.S. envoys in Israel.[22]

Lew served as ambassador until January 20, 2025, and was succeeded by Mike Huckabee, appointed by President Donald Trump.

Post-Ambassadorial Activities

After leaving the ambassadorship, Lew returned to public engagement on policy issues. In September 2025, he delivered a Shell Distinguished Lecture at the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University, addressing the U.S. budget, national debt, and policies shaping the nation's economic future.[23] In October 2025, he participated in a bipartisan discussion on fiscal challenges at Georgetown University alongside former Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, hosted by the Institute of Politics and Public Service in partnership with the Peter G. Peterson Foundation.[24]

In January 2026, Lew commented publicly on the importance of Federal Reserve independence, stating in a Bloomberg interview that using legal prosecution to pressure the Federal Reserve chair would set a dangerous precedent.[25]

Personal Life

Jack Lew is married to Ruth Schwartz, and the couple has two children.[2] The family resides in New York. Lew is an Orthodox Jew and has been noted for his observance of the Shabbat, which has occasionally been referenced in media coverage of his public service. He has been involved in community activities, including engagement with City Year New York.[26] He has also participated in events at Yeshiva University, including the university's Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation.[27]

Legacy

Jack Lew's career in public service spans more than four decades and encompasses some of the most consequential fiscal and diplomatic positions in the United States government. His dual tenures as Director of the Office of Management and Budget — under two different presidents — are a distinction shared by few in American history and reflect his reputation as a preeminent authority on the federal budget process. His service during the Clinton-era budget surpluses and his management of fiscal policy during the post-recession Obama years placed him at the center of defining debates about the role of government spending, taxation, and deficit management in the American economy.[3]

As Treasury Secretary, Lew steered the department during a period of economic recovery and ongoing regulatory reform following the 2008 financial crisis. His ambassadorship to Israel, while briefer, placed him at the center of one of the most consequential geopolitical crises of the 2020s, and his handling of that role has been the subject of both praise and criticism.

Since leaving government, Lew has continued to contribute to public discourse on fiscal policy, economic governance, and international affairs through academic engagement, public lectures, and media commentary. His career trajectory — from budget analyst to Treasury Secretary to diplomat — reflects a sustained commitment to government service at the intersection of law, economics, and international relations.

References

  1. ↑ "Jack Lew Fast Facts".CNN.August 14, 2025.https://www.cnn.com/us/jacob-jack-lew-fast-facts.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 "Jack Lew Fast Facts".CNN.August 14, 2025.https://www.cnn.com/us/jacob-jack-lew-fast-facts.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Jack Lew: The Man Who Could Save Obama's Legacy".National Journal.November 1, 2012.http://www.nationaljournal.com/magazine/jack-lew-the-man-who-could-save-obama-s-legacy-20121101.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Obama Appoints Former Carleton Student as Secretary of Treasury".Carleton College.https://www.carleton.edu/news/stories/obama-appoints-former-carleton-student-as-secretary-of-treasury/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Jack Lew Named Obama Chief of Staff".Georgetown University.http://www.georgetown.edu/news/jack-lew-obama-chief-of-staff.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ "Solving America's Fiscal Challenges with Jack Lew and Steve Mnuchin".Institute of Politics and Public Service, Georgetown University.October 15, 2025.https://politics.georgetown.edu/2025/10/15/solving-americas-fiscal-challenges-with-jack-lew-and-steve-mnuchin/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ "Jack Lew Biography — Office of Management and Budget".Clinton White House Archives, National Archives.http://clinton3.nara.gov/omb/organization/lew.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ "Jack Lew Nominated to be OMB Director".Clinton White House Archives, National Archives.April 14, 1998.http://clinton6.nara.gov/1998/04/1998-04-14-jack-lew-nominated-to-be-omb-director.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Nomination of Jack Lew as Director of the Office of Management and Budget".Clinton White House Archives, National Archives.April 15, 1998.http://clinton4.nara.gov/WH/New/html/19980415-12692.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "National Security Team Additions".Time/RealClearPolitics.December 23, 2008.http://realclearpolitics.blogs.time.com/2008/12/23/natl-security-team-additions/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Obama National Security Team Takes Shape".National Journal.December 2008.http://lostintransition.nationaljournal.com/2008/12/obama-national-security-team-takes-shape.php.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Lew at State Department".Government Executive.July 15, 2009.http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0709/071509l1.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ "Obama Nominee Jacob Lew".Huffington Post.September 21, 2010.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/21/obama-nominee-jacob-lew-f_n_732594.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ LewJacobJacob"The 2012 Budget".Huffington Post.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jacob-lew/the-2012-budget_b_823041.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "Obama's OMB Channels Its Inner Tea Party".New Economic Perspectives.December 2012.http://neweconomicperspectives.org/2012/12/obamas-omb-channels-its-inner-tea-party.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Jack Lew Oversaw $113 Cayman Island Investment Funds".The Weekly Standard.http://m.weeklystandard.com/blogs/jack-lew-oversaw-113-cayman-island-investment-funds_701211.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ "Jack Lew's Union-Busting Past".Salon.January 9, 2013.http://www.salon.com/2013/01/09/jack_lews_union_busting_past/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Matt Taibbi and Bill Black on Obama's New Treasury Secretary".AlterNet.http://www.alternet.org/economy/matt-taibbi-bill-black-obamas-new-treasury-secretary-failure-epic-proportions?page=0,1.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Thompson Schedules Nomination Hearing on Jacob J. Lew".U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.http://www.hsgac.senate.gov/media/minority-media/thompson-schedules-nomination-hearing-on-jacob-j-lew.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  20. ↑ "The war devastated Gaza, destroying entire communities. What will it take to rebuild".NPR.October 13, 2025.https://www.npr.org/2025/10/13/nx-s1-5570828/the-war-devastated-gaza-destroying-entire-communities-what-will-it-take-to-rebuild.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  21. ↑ "CAIR Calls Biden Officials Jack Lew, Stephanie Hallett 'War Criminals' for Concealing Reports of Gaza Genocide".Council on American-Islamic Relations.2026.https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-calls-biden-officials-jack-lew-stephanie-hallett-war-criminals-for-concealing-reports-of-gaza-genocide/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  22. ↑ "US envoys blocked early warning of Gaza 'Apocalyptic Wasteland'".Reuters.January 30, 2026.https://www.reuters.com/world/early-warning-apocalyptic-wasteland-gaza-blocked-by-us-envoys-israel-2026-01-30/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  23. ↑ "Shell Distinguished Lecture Series: Jack Lew on the US Budget, Debt, and Policies Shaping the Future".Baker Institute for Public Policy.September 23, 2025.https://www.bakerinstitute.org/event/shell-distinguished-lecture-series-jack-lew-us-budget-debt-and-policies-shaping-future.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  24. ↑ "Solving America's Fiscal Challenges with Jack Lew and Steve Mnuchin".Institute of Politics and Public Service, Georgetown University.October 15, 2025.https://politics.georgetown.edu/2025/10/15/solving-americas-fiscal-challenges-with-jack-lew-and-steve-mnuchin/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  25. ↑ "Fmr. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew on Fed Independence".Bloomberg.January 15, 2026.https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-01-15/fmr-treasury-secretary-jack-lew-on-fed-independence-video.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  26. ↑ "Director Jack Lew Blogs About CYNY".City Year New York.January 18, 2011.http://cityyearnewyork.wordpress.com/2011/01/18/director-jack-lew-blogs-about-cyny/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  27. ↑ "YU Hanukkah Dinner and Convocation".Yeshiva University.November 26, 2012.http://blogs.yu.edu/news/2012/11/26/yu-hanukkah-dinner-and-convocation/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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