Susan Rice, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, will step down from her position.
Rice, who previously served as the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs from October 1997 to January 2001 under President Bill Clinton, will reportedly step down after May 26, according to a White House official per Axios.
The Domestic Policy Council director also served during the Obama administration as the United States Ambassador to the United Nations between January 2009 and June 2013. Rice subsequently served as the United States National Security Advisor from July 2013 to January 2017.
President Biden revealed Rice’s departure on Monday, commenting on her time in his administration.
“After more than two years of her steady leadership of the Domestic Policy Council – it’s clear: there is no one more capable, and more determined to get important things done for the American people than Susan Rice,” reads a statement from Biden.
"There is no one more capable, and more determined to get important things done for the American people than Susan Rice.' – @POTUS
President Biden announces Susan Rice leaving White House pic.twitter.com/o1bf3pS6vI
— Brie Jackson (@PositivelyBrie) April 24, 2023
Biden recounted policies enacted during Rice’s time in his administration including a comprehensive national mental health strategy along with lowering prescription drug prices for seniors and capping insulin costs to $35 through Medicare — a move originally initiated by former President Donald Trump that was reversed after Biden assumed office in January 2021.
Biden’s statement continued:
We’ve taken historic actions to reduce gun violence and advance police reform. We are addressing our failed approach to marijuana. We have embedded equity into the work of the entire federal government. We are making college more affordable and accessible and providing student debt relief. We are increasing access to high quality child care and long-term care. We have committed to a bold national strategy to end hunger and reduce diet-related disease by 2030. We reversed the harmful immigration policies of the previous Administration, reunified more than 670 children separated from their families, and rebuilt the broken system of care for unaccompanied children, putting their safety and well-being first and foremost.
Biden also noted Rice’s previous work in the Obama administration: “But what sets her apart as a leader and colleague is the seriousness with which she takes her role and the urgency and tenacity she brings, her bias towards action and results, and the integrity, humility and humor with which she does this work. I thank Susan for her service, her counsel and her friendship. I will miss her.”
Rice, who had discussing the possibility of leaving her position since last November, was previously considered as a potential running mate for Biden during the 2020 Presidential Election.
Senior advisor for President Biden Neera Tanden is reportedly being considered to assume Rice’s position, per Axios.
