U.S. President-elect Joseph R. Biden Jr. on Tuesday introduced key members of his foreign policy and national security team in Wilmington, Delaware, saying “America is back, ready to lead the world, not retreat from it.”
Wearing a dark blue suit and a light blue tie, Biden, who spoke for about 13 minutes, indicated that President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy would be discarded under his leadership.
According to him, “America is strongest when it works with its allies.”
Biden introduced his picks, Antony Blinken as Secretary of State; Alejandro Mayorkas as Secretary of Homeland Security; Avril Haines as Director of National Intelligence; Linda Thomas-Greenfield as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations; Jake Sullivan as National Security Advisor; and John Kerry as Special Presidential Envoy for Climate.
“Today, I am pleased to announce nominations and staff for critical foreign policy and national security positions in my Administration.
“It’s a team that will keep our country and our people safe and secure. And it’s a team that reflects the fact that America is back.
“Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it. Ready to confront our adversaries, not reject our allies. And ready to stand up for our values.
“In fact, in calls from world leaders in the weeks since we won this election, I’ve been struck by how much they are looking forward to the United States reasserting its historic role as a global leader,” Biden said.
He said he hoped his nominees that require Senate confirmation “prompt” hearings and approval.
Biden also reacted to the GSA director’s decision to let the formal transition proceed.
“I’m pleased to have received an ascertainment from the GSA,” he said.
Simon Ateba is Chief White House Correspondent for Today News Africa. Simon covers President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, the U.S. government, the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and other financial and international institutions in Washington D.C. and New York City.