Biden Adds 9 More White House Staff... Foreign and Security Areas Still Pending

Senior Advisor Mike Donilon and Jen O'Malley, Chief of Staff, Appointed Deputy Chiefs of Staff
Focus on Gender and Racial Diversity... Transition Team "Reflects Pledge to Build Administration Like America"

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. President-elect Joe Biden announced the appointment of nine White House aides centered around close associates on the 17th (local time). However, appointments for the National Security Council (NSC) advisor and other diplomatic and security positions were not made.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

According to the transition team, Biden appointed longtime aide Mike Donilon as senior advisor and Jen O'Malley Dillon, the head of the presidential campaign, as deputy chief of staff. Steve Ricchetti, who served as the campaign's chairman of the election committee, will also join the White House as a senior advisor. He is a close associate who served as Biden’s third chief of staff during his vice presidency.

Congressman Cedric Richmond, an African American who co-chaired the campaign, was appointed as senior advisor and director of external affairs. The Washington Post reported that progressives have raised questions about appointing Richmond, who received donations from fossil fuel companies.

Additionally, Dana Remus, the campaign’s legal counsel, will become White House counsel, and Julie Chavez Rodriguez, granddaughter of labor activist Cesar Chavez, will be responsible for coordination between the White House and local governments.

In a statement, Biden said, "America faces tremendous challenges, and these individuals will bring diverse perspectives and dedication to responding to these challenges and to the emergence of a stronger and more united nation."

The transition team emphasized the appointment of diverse races and women, explaining that it "reflects the president-elect’s pledge to compose an administration that looks like America."

However, the appointments did not include NSC advisors or spokespersons. It is widely expected that appointments in the diplomatic and security fields will take more time.