"Tough Talk" Tandon Finally Falls, Biden's First Cabinet Nomination Withdrawal

Republican Unity Opposed, Democratic Rebellion Leads to Ouster
Appointment to Position Not Requiring Confirmation Announced

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The Biden administration in the United States has experienced its first case of withdrawing a cabinet-level nomination. On the 2nd (local time), the White House announced in a statement that President Biden would withdraw the nomination of Neera Tanden, the nominee for Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) (photo), at her request. The OMB Director is a cabinet-level position and a key role within the White House.

Tanden, an Indian-American immigrant, could have become the first woman of color to hold the OMB Director position, but her "abrasive language" was an obstacle. She drew backlash from the Republican Party due to her harsh criticism of the former Trump administration on social media. Even within the Democratic Party, there were cases of opposition to her confirmation, making it impossible to secure approval. Falling one senator short of the 50 votes needed in the Senate ultimately became a stumbling block.

Although Tanden’s confirmation process was delayed, the White House did not withdraw its intention to pursue her confirmation until the end. According to The Washington Post, the White House’s decision came after Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski expressed that she would not support Tanden. With the last hope the White House had disappearing, it became impossible to insist on Tanden’s appointment.

Tanden also stated, "Now that it is clear my confirmation is impossible, it should not affect the president’s other policies."

President Biden has not abandoned the plan to employ Tanden. In a statement, he announced, "Tanden will take on another role in this administration." This publicly declared that Tanden would be appointed to a position that does not require Senate confirmation. The Washington Post predicted that Tanden would take on other duties within the White House.

Although 40 days have passed since the Biden administration began, many cabinet-level positions remain vacant. Many nominees for cabinet posts are facing delayed confirmations amid Republican opposition. The first Native American nominee for Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland, also faces uncertainty regarding her confirmation.