Updated on Nov. 23 at 3:20 p.m. ET
President-elect Joe Biden is assembling his inner circle of advisers and Cabinet officials, despite President Trump's continued dismissal of the validity of the election.
The week of Thanksgiving, Biden named key nominees for his foreign policy and national security teams, including Avril Haines as director of national intelligence. Haines would be the first woman to serve in the role if confirmed. Alejandro Mayorkas, nominee for homeland security secretary, would be the first Latino and immigrant in that position.
Biden also tapped former Secretary of State John Kerry for a new White House position as special presidential envoy for climate. Kerry will serve on the National Security Council.
Within a week after gaining the electoral votes needed to win the presidency, Biden announced that adviser and lawyer Ron Klain would be his chief of staff.
NPR is providing information on each official nominee as they are announced by the Biden team for , , and .
White House
As Biden begins to act on some of his early promises, he will name close advisers and aides to work with him in the White House — people who will run operations and brief him on top matters of national security, the economy and other key issues. Most of these officials do not need U.S. Senate confirmation. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and soon-to-be first lady Jill Biden will also name their top aides.
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National security
Biden will also nominate officials to lead the federal government's domestic and international security efforts. These officials will oversee U.S. intelligence and defense as well as spearhead relations with world leaders and international coalitions. All of these officials must be confirmed by the Senate, with the exception of the new climate position in the NSC.
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Economic policy
As the U.S. continues to fight through a recession brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, increased focus will be on whom Biden picks to lead his economic, financial and trade policies. Many of these nominees will play crucial roles in determining further coronavirus relief aid. These positions must also be confirmed by the Senate.
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Additional members of Biden's Cabinet
Biden will overhaul departments to remove Trump appointees and nominate officials who will carry out his policy agenda. These officials require Senate confirmation.
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This page was originally published on Nov. 17 at 11:49 a.m. ET
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