Susan Rice, the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council, is stepping down from her post, President Biden announced Monday.
Driving the news: "As the only person to serve as both National Security Advisor and Domestic Policy Advisor, Susan's record of public service makes history," Biden said of the former UN ambassador and national security adviser.
- Rice's last day is May 26, per a White House official.
- "I thank Susan for her service, her counsel and her friendship. I will miss her," he said.
- A potential replacement could be Neera Tanden, a senior White House adviser, according to people familiar with the matter.
The big picture: Rice helped craft many of the proposals that formed the core of Biden's Build Back Better agenda and oversaw some of the administration's most polarizing issues, like gun control and migrant policies. She has been a strong advocate for ensuring that the administration’s economic policies address historical inequities.
- She sought to turn the position into a domestic analogue to the National Security Council, where policies are discussed and debated with input from across the government.
- Rice, a trusted friend of Biden who was considered as his potential 2020 running mate and for Cabinet positions, took over the post as the Biden administration sought to guide the U.S. through the pandemic and recovery.
- Rice would have faced steep confirmation chances for any Cabinet roles given her history of clashes with some Senate Republicans, including while defending the administration's response to the 2012 attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi.
What she's saying: "I am deeply grateful to @potus for trusting and empowering me to serve as his Domestic Policy Advisor," Rice wrote in a tweet.
- "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," Rice wrote.
Zoom out: Rice had been privately discussing the possibility of leaving the post since at least November, people familiar with the matter previously said.
- The DPC role does not require Senate confirmation.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional developments and background.
