Who has Biden picked so far.
Washington, D.C. – As Inauguration Day draws near, President-elect Joe Biden is assembling his new Cabinet. From COVID-19 relief to national security, here’s a look at who Biden has appointed to assist him in key areas.
Press Team
To follow up his decision by naming the first female Vice President, Biden has selected an all-female press team. Biden named Kate Bedingfield as Communications Director. The official press secretary for Biden will be Jen Psaki. Joining them are Karine Jean-Pierre, Tina Flournoy, Symone Sanders, Julissa Reynoso Pantaleon, and Pili Tobar.
Health/Covid-19 Relief Team
In the middle of an unprecedented global crisis, the health/COVID-19 relief team was announced during Biden’s latest selections. Notable names include Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. This is Murthy’s second time serving as Surgeon General, as he was in Barack Obama’s cabinet.
Joining the team is the new Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Xavier Becerra. Becerra is currently the Attorney General of California. Despite not having a formal public health background, Becerra has spent considerable time defending Obamacare in court. Advocates say Becerra has developed a strong knowledge of how public health systems work. Still, the pick may have its share of controversy.
Homeland Security
Joe Biden continues to make history by shaping his Cabinet with a diverse team. If confirmed by the Senate, Alejandro Mayorkas would become the first Latino and immigrant to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Avril Haines also becomes the first woman to spearhead the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency). She has worked for Biden in various positions spanning over a decade.
Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, John Kerry, gains a seat on the Cabinet along with Anthony Blinken and Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Blinken comes on as Secretary of State and Thomas-Greenfield will be the U.S Ambassador to the United Nations.
Economy Officials
As Americans continue to fight a financial uphill battle due to COVID-19, all eyes will be on Biden’s economic officials. Again choosing a diverse group of individuals, Biden named Cecelia Rouse as Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers. If confirmed, she will become the first African-American woman to lead the Council in its 74-year history. Rounding out the economic team are:
- Brian Deese – Director of the National Economic Council
- Wally Adeyemo – Deputy Secretary of the Treasury
- Janet Yellen – Secretary of the Treasury
- Neera Tanden – Director of the Office of Management and Budget
In the coming days, Biden will announce more candidates. Will Biden’s Cabinet picks perform better in the White House than those of his predecessor, Donald Trump?
Thumbnail Credits: Andrew Harnik/AP/Shutterstock (images may be subject to copyrights)
Sources:
- “Nominees and Appointees | President-Elect Joe Biden”
- Biden-Harris Presidential Transition Twitter account (@Transition46)
James is published in the oldest African American Newspaper in the United States, The Philadelphia Tribune. In his spare time he writes about sports and plays the piano.
