'Diplomacy and Security Expert' Rice Appointed to Lead US Domestic Policy (Update)

Appointment of Director for Presidential Advisory Domestic Policy Committee
Chosen as Suitable Candidate Linking Diplomacy and Domestic Policy... Expected to Gain Influence in Biden Administration

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] Susan Rice, former U.S. National Security Council (NSC) advisor, will take on the role of coordinating domestic policy in the upcoming Joe Biden administration. Although this is a surprising appointment given her expertise in foreign security, it is analyzed that Biden’s intention reflects the need for a figure who can closely link foreign affairs and domestic policy.

On the 10th (local time), President-elect Biden announced plans to appoint Rice as the director of the White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC), a presidential advisory body.

This appointment is considered somewhat unusual. Rice was previously mentioned as a vice-presidential candidate before the election and was also considered for Secretary of State, highlighting her significant stature. She is recognized as a foreign and security expert, having served as Deputy Secretary of State and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations during the Obama administration. The political media outlet Politico described it as "unexpected considering her expertise and experience."

However, the fact that Biden entrusted Rice with coordinating domestic policy is seen as highly meaningful. According to the transition team, Rice will coordinate the policy decision-making process for Biden’s domestic agenda. The empowered DPC will include the president and cabinet members. Bloomberg also predicted that under Rice’s leadership, the DPC will play a strong role and hold significant status.

The transition team stated regarding Rice’s appointment, "She will carry out the president-elect’s vision in the newly empowered DPC and strengthen efforts for better rebuilding."

Expectations are particularly high for her role in combining foreign security and the domestic economy. The U.S. internet media Axios noted the transition team’s mention of collaboration among the DPC, NSC, and the National Economic Council (NEC). This is interpreted as Biden’s intention for Rice to work closely with NSC advisor James Sullivan and NEC chairman Brian Deese to interlink foreign policy with economic and domestic policies.

A source told Axios, "Rice is not a figurehead. She will speak up when attention is needed, and that is what Biden wants." The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) also cited a close aide to Biden, saying, "They believe Rice’s government experience will translate into domestic policy," and introduced that "Rice has already worked with NEC chairman nominee Brian Deese and National Security Advisor nominee Jake Sullivan."

It also appears that the fact that the White House appointment does not require congressional hearings was taken into consideration. In 2012, when Rice was U.S. Ambassador to the UN, she described the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya, not as terrorism but as a spontaneous incident caused by protesters incited by an anti-Islam video, which led to significant backlash from Republicans.

Politico evaluated that Rice’s decision to take on this domestic policy role still signals political ambition. The Associated Press (AP) predicted, "Her appointment creates a new power center in the West Wing of the White House," and "Rice will become one of the most prominent Black women in the Biden administration."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.