ConocoPhillips White House Lecture at Annenberg Presidential Conference Center

This event is highly relevant today as debates over free trade, regional integration, and global competition continue to shape U.S. economic policy. Ambassador (ret.) John Negroponte’s reflections on President George H.W. Bush’s vision for the North American Free Trade Agreement provide valuable historical context for current discussions about supply chains, economic resilience, and international partnerships. For Texas A&M students, the talk offers an opportunity to connect theory with practice, learn from a distinguished diplomat, and better understand how trade policy influences both global dynamics and local economic opportunities in Texas.

Negroponte has served as Ambassador to Honduras, Mexico, the Philippines, the United Nations, and Iraq. He served twice on the National Security Council staff, first as Director for Vietnam in the Nixon Administration and then as Deputy National Security Advisor under President Reagan. He has also held a cabinet level position as the first Director of National Intelligence under President George W. Bush. His most recent position in government was as Deputy Secretary of State, where he served as the State Department’s Chief Operating Officer.

The ConocoPhillips White House Lecture Series is sponsored by ConocoPhillips of Houston, Texas, whose 2002 endowment to the George and Barbara Bush Foundation established the program. The Lecture Series brings to public attention the various offices of the White House and Executive Branch that provide policy, administrative, and overall support to the President. The purpose is to bring to life the workings of the White House, a better understanding of the governmental process, and an opportunity to examine and understand the particular function and challenges of each office. In this manner, the series provides a more comprehensive picture of the Presidency and the people around the President.