Here's why:
* Secretary of State: The top diplomat of the United States, responsible for representing the country abroad, negotiating treaties, and managing foreign relations.
* Secretary of Defense: Oversees the Department of Defense, which includes the armed forces, and plays a key role in military strategy and foreign policy decisions involving defense.
* National Security Advisor: Advises the President on all matters related to national security, including foreign policy, and coordinates policy across different government agencies.
* Secretary of Education: Primarily responsible for domestic education policy, not foreign relations.
While the Department of Education may have some international aspects, like educational exchange programs, its main focus is domestic. The other three officials are directly involved in shaping and implementing American foreign policy.