By The FirstSusan Rice, President Joe Biden’s top domestic policy adviser, will be stepping down from her position on May 26, according to a senior administration official who spoke with NBC News. Rice’s departure comes after more than two years of service in the role.
The White House announced the news on Monday, and President Biden praised Rice’s record of public service.
“As the only person to serve as both National Security Advisor and Domestic Policy Advisor, Susan’s record of public service makes history,” Biden wrote in a statement. “I thank Susan for her service, her counsel and her friendship. I will miss her.”
In a tweet on Monday, Rice expressed her gratitude to President Biden for the opportunity to serve and praised her colleagues in the White House for their dedication to public service.
It is unclear who will replace Rice as Biden prepares to serve as president while running a reelection campaign, but Neera Tanden, the current staff secretary, is reportedly being considered for the job.
Rice’s departure marks a significant change for the Biden administration and raises questions about the future of the White House’s domestic policy agenda.
Prior to her role in the Biden Administration, Rice served as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama, and later as the National Security Advisor from 2013 to 2017.
In the Obama administration, Rice was a key player in shaping U.S. foreign policy and played a significant role in developing the administration’s response to several international crises, including the Ebola outbreak in West Africa and the conflict in Syria. She also played a prominent role in negotiating the Iran nuclear deal.
