[3] He was also an advisor to former Vice President Dick Cheney, specifically with respect to Middle East affairs.

[3] In August 2014, Karem left Cantor's office to serve as policy advisor for U.S. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy.

[8] Derek Chollet, who served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs in the Obama administration, praised Trump's decision in choosing Karem, stating that "[n]ot often [do] I say this, but terrific news from Trump Admin: Robert Karem nomn'd for Asst SecDef ISA .

"[8] On May 18, 2017, Karem's confirmation hearing took place with the Senate Committee on Armed Services.

[9] Karem stepped down as Assistant Secretary in October 2018, along with additional Pentagon officials, Thomas Goffus and Alan Patterson.