On Tuesday, President-elect Joe Biden said the United States will be “ready to lead” again on the global stage; turning the page on Republican President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies as he pledged to work together with the nation’s allies.
The Democratic former vice president signaled he intended after taking office on Jan. 20; to steer the United States away from the unilateralist nationalism pursued by Trump.
Joe Biden also introduced his foreign policy and national security team.
Who are his picks?
Mr Biden unveiled his selections for six key posts:
- Antony Blinken, secretary of state. Mr Blinken said the US would soon “with equal measures of humility and confidence” restore its relationships with other countries
- John Kerry, climate change envoy. He was one of the leading architects of the Paris climate agreement, from which President Trump withdrew. Mr Kerry said the world must “come together to end the climate crisis”
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- Avril Haines, director of national intelligence – would be the first woman in the post. Mr Biden said: “I picked a professional… a fierce advocate for telling the truth”.
- Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of homeland security – would be the first Latino in the post. Mr Mayorkas said the department had “a noble mission, to help keep us safe and to advance our proud history as a country of welcome”
- Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser. Mr Sullivan praised his boss, saying he had taught him much about statecraft, but also “most importantly about human nature”
- Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN. She said she would bring her southern Louisiana roots to her job.One choice that is expected but has not been announced yet is former Federal Reserve chair.
- Janet Yellen as treasury secretary. Another is the key post of defence secretary, with Michèle Flournoy – an Obama-era defence under secretary – a strong contender.
Apart from Mr Kerry and Mr Sullivan, most of the picks will need confirmation by the Senate. Rejection of a nominee is rare.
