Indian American takes over Susan Rice's job as Biden's Domestic Policy Advisor

Neera Tanden will take over the post held by Susan Rice.

A long-time advisor to three Presidents has been promoted and will take over the prominent  position held by Susan Rice as Assistant to the President and Domestic Policy Advisor. 

In her new position Neera Tanden, whose mother was born in India, will be the first Asian American to lead any of the three major White House policy councils in history, with an office steps away from the Oval Office. 

Tanden had been serving in the White House as a Senior Advisor and Staff Secretary, a powerful position  where she acted as gatekeeper on who could meet with the President.

"I am pleased to announce that Neera Tanden will continue to drive the formulation and implementation of my domestic policy, from economic mobility and racial equity to health care, immigration and education," Biden said today (May 5, 2023).

"As Senior Advisor and Staff Secretary, Neera oversaw decision-making processes across my domestic, economic and national security teams. She has 25 years of experience in public policy, has served three Presidents, and led one of the largest think tanks in the country for nearly a decade," said Biden in his announcement. 

"She was a key architect of the Affordable Care Act and helped drive key domestic policies that became part of my agenda, including clean energy subsidies and sensible gun reform. 

"While growing up, Neera relied on some of the critical programs that she will oversee as Domestic Policy Advisor, and I know those insights will serve my Administration and the American people well. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Neera in her new role," Biden said.

Tanden served in both the Obama and Clinton administrations, as well as presidential campaigns and think tanks. 

Most recently, Neera was the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. 

Tanden previously served as senior advisor for health reform at the Department of Health and Human Services, working on President Obama’s health reform team in the White House. Prior to that, she was the director of domestic policy for the Obama-Biden presidential campaign, and served as policy director for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign.

In Biden's first year as President, Biden picked Tanden to lead the Office of Management and Budget. However, she was unable to get enough Senators to approve her nomination because of some aggressive social media postings as CEO of the liberal think tank Center for American Progress lashing out at some lawmakers.

When it became apparent that her nomination would fail to garner the votes, she voluntarily removed her name for consideration in 2021.

Rice's departure was not unexpected. With her expertise in foreign policy, insiders were surprised that she accepted the role of Domestic Policy Advisor. Before accepting the post, she had hinted that she would only serve two years.

Tanden's appointment, which does not require Senate confirmation, was praised by Rep. Judy Chu, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. 

"As the first Asian American to lead any of the three major White House policy councils in history, Tanden has a wealth of experience and will immediately be able to expertly serve the President—crafting policy and marshaling the resources of the federal government to improve the lives of all Americans. I look forward to CAPAC’s continued engagement with her to ensure that the policy needs of our communities are being addressed," said Chu.

“That this announcement comes during Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month underscores the President’s continued commitment to a diverse federal workforce and ensuring all our communities’ voices are at the table.”

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