There has been a major shakeup at the White House with the resignation of close Obama confidante and top domestic policy adviser Susan Rice.
Joe Biden announced the news a day before declaring that he is running for president again in 2024.
Rice served as a U.N. ambassador during Obama’s first term before shifting to the role of national security adviser in his second term. Over the past two years, Rice played a leading role in pushing a far-left domestic agenda that in many ways doubled down on Obama's worst tendencies.
Rice’s policy portfolio included the racially divisive “equity” agenda, climate change, and gun control.
Rice’s influential role led some to dub her the “shadow president” in a White House often painted by critics as being occupied by a mentally unfit “puppet.”
Biden praised Rice for her “steady leadership” over the past two years, noting she came into the role with no domestic policy background.
“Susan was synonymous with foreign policy. ... But what I knew then and what we all know now – 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," he said.
Rice had planned to leave after two years, NBC reported. She was initially floated as a potential running mate for Biden in 2020 before he tapped her for the domestic policy role.
It’s not clear who will replace Rice, but officials are said to be eyeing Neera Tanden, the former Clinton campaign adviser whose nomination to lead Biden’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB) was sunk by her partisan tweets.
Rice’s last day will be May 26. She said she is “deeply grateful” for the opportunity to serve in the Biden White House.
I am deeply grateful to @potus for trusting and empowering me to serve as his Domestic Policy Advisor. I love the team @ DPC and in the @WhiteHouse. There are no more dedicated public servants. I am so proud of all we have been able to accomplish together for the American people.
— Susan Rice (@AmbRice46) April 24, 2023
Just a day after announcing Rice's departure, Biden said he is seeking re-election in 2024 to “finish the job.”
Obama promptly endorsed his former VP, saying he is "proud" of "all that @JoeBiden and his administration have accomplished these last few years."
Proud of all that @JoeBiden and his administration have accomplished these last few years. He’s delivered for the American people — and he’ll continue to do so once he’s re-elected.
Let’s get to work! https://t.co/eEt7bAueIT https://t.co/uBMyS1QQ0V
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 25, 2023
