President-elect Joe Biden introduced key members of his Cabinet and national security team during an event in Wilmington, Delaware, Tuesday afternoon, and declared: “America is back.”
“It’s a team that will keep our country and our people safe and secure. It’s a team that reflects the fact that America is back. Ready to lead the world, not retreat from it. Once again, sit at the head of the table. Ready to confront our adversaries, and not reject our allies, ready to stand up for our values,” Biden said as he introduced his choices for positions he described as “critical.”
Those picks include 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 adviser and John Kerry as Biden’s special envoy for climate.
The remarks were Biden’s first public comments since the head of the General Services Administration on Monday informed the president-elect that the official government transition process has been approved.
Biden said he was “pleased to have received the ascertainment from GSA to carry out a smooth and peaceful transition of power, so our teams can prepare to meet the challenges at hand — to control the pandemic, to build back better and to protect the safety and security of the American people.”
He also urged lawmakers to take swift action in confirming his national security team.
“To the United States Senate, I hope these outstanding nominees receive a prompt hearing, and that we can work across the aisle in good faith to move forward for the country,” Biden said.
After the event, Biden was asked if he’d be willing to meet with President Donald Trump, who’s refused to concede the election. “Of course I would, if he asked,” Biden said. /NBC News
