About
James Addison Baker III is an accomplished American statesman, attorney, diplomat, and former Marine Corps officer. A prominent member of the Republican Party, he has held numerous high-profile positions in the U.S. government. Baker served as White House Chief of Staff and Secretary of the Treasury under President Ronald Reagan, and later as Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush.
Career Timeline
White House Chief of Staff
Appointed as Chief of Staff under President Reagan, marking a significant career advancement.
Secretary of the Treasury
Becomes Secretary of the Treasury, playing a key role in Reagan's economic policies.
Secretary of State
Appointed Secretary of State under President George H.W. Bush, managing the end of the Cold War.
White House Chief of Staff (Again)
Returns as Chief of Staff to assist Bush's re-election campaign.
Joins Law Firm
Enters the private sector, joining a prominent law firm and leveraging his political connections.
Bush-Cheney Legal Efforts
Leads legal efforts during the Bush-Gore election recount, a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
Iraq Study Group
Co-chairs the Iraq Study Group, providing recommendations on U.S. policy in Iraq.
Elder Statesman and Advisor
Remains an influential figure in American politics, serving as an advisor and elder statesman.
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Last updated: February 24, 2026