**Antony Blinken's Controversial Legacy: Between Honors and Accusations**

**In his final days as Secretary of State, Antony Blinken is celebrated in France but faced harsh criticism in the U.S. for U.S. actions in Gaza and Ukraine, highlighting the complexity of his diplomatic legacy.**

In a dramatic close to his diplomatic career, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken made his last trip in office to Paris, where he received a warm reception from French President Emmanuel Macron, who hailed him as a “servant of peace.” The recognition, which included France’s prestigious Legion of Honor medal, starkly contrasted the protests against him back in the U.S., where activists accused him of complicity in violence and described him as “Bloody Blinken” and a “war criminal.”

During Blinken's farewell speech in Washington, he was interrupted by demonstrators decrying his legacy, tying him to notions of genocide due to U.S. support in ongoing conflicts, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine. Such sentiments echoed through various events, including a contentious news conference at the State Department, where calls for accountability and allegations about his role in escalating conflicts surfaced.

Despite the accolades from foreign leaders, particularly in Europe, the polarized responses at home reflect the contentious nature of his diplomatic efforts. Blinken's tenure has been marked by navigating crises that often attract passionate opposition, raising questions about the implications of U.S. foreign policy direction under his leadership. As he departs from public service, the balance of praise and protest surrounding his legacy continues to provoke discussions on the future of American diplomacy.