Top White House Policy Adviser Overseeing US Domestic Agenda Leaving

Former national security adviser Susan Rice speaks at the Center for American Progress Ideas Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, D.C., on May 16, 2017. (Aaron P. Bernstein/File Photo/Reuters)

Susan Rice is stepping down as the White House’s domestic policy adviser, the Biden administration confirmed in a statement on Monday.

“I surprised a lot of people when I named Ambassador Susan Rice as my Domestic Policy Advisor,” President Joe Biden said in a statement about the departure of Rice, a former Obama administration official.

Biden added that “Susan was synonymous with foreign policy, having previously served as National Security Advisor and UN Ambassador. But what I knew then and what we all know now—after more than two years of her steady leadership of the Domestic Policy Council—it’s clear: there is no one more capable, and more determined to get important things done for the American people than Susan Rice.”

The president then touted Rice’s “tireless efforts” that included expanding the Affordable Care Act, known as Obamacare, and taking “historic actions to reduce gun violence and advance police reform.” His statement also credited Rice with implementing policies that bring “equity” to the federal government, reversing some Trump-era immigration policies, capping insulin prices, and more.

Then-President Barack Obama, accompanied by, from left, then-Secretary of State John Kerry, then-Vice President Joe Biden, and then-national security adviser Susan Rice, speaks during a meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, on March 31, 2016. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)

“As the only person to serve as both National Security Advisor and Domestic Policy Advisor, Susan’s record of public service makes history,” Biden stated. “But what sets her apart as a leader and colleague is the seriousness with which she takes her role and the urgency and tenacity she brings, her bias towards action and results, and the integrity, humility and humor with which she does this work. I thank Susan for her service, her counsel and her friendship. I will miss her.”

Rice also issued a statement appearing to confirm her departure from the Biden administration. She did not say what her future plans might be.

“I am deeply grateful to @potus for trusting and empowering me to serve as his Domestic Policy Advisor,” Rice wrote on Twitter after the White House announcement. “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 had served as the U.N. ambassador at the start of the Obama administration but later became Obama’s national security adviser during his second term in office. She’s been in charge of the White House Domestic Policy Council  since Biden took office in January 2021.

Over the years, Rice has drawn criticism from congressional Republicans after she characterized the 2012 attacks on Americans---including the U.S. ambassador---in Benghazi, Libya, as part of a protest instead of a planned terrorist attack. Rice was also accused of spying on former President Donald Trump’s then-national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

In Biden’s Monday statement, he did not say when her last day will be. Reports citing anonymous sources said she will depart the administration in late May.

This is a breaking news story; check back for more updates.