(LibertyInsider.org) – Joe Biden’s cabinet has been relatively stable throughout his presidency. On March 6, POLITICO Playbook journalists spoke with White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, who said the Cabinet would remain in place through January 20, the official day the US presidency ends. However, one member threw a wrench into those plans when she announced her retirement just days later.
Marcia Fudge, the Housing Secretary, wrote an email to her staff on Monday, March 10, notifying them that she would be stepping down from her role as of March 22, per POLITICO. She is not only resigning but retiring as well, and said her decision came “With mixed emotions.”
Marcia Fudge, Biden’s housing secretary, is stepping down https://t.co/7JZFHlg9Jr
— POLITICO (@politico) March 11, 2024
Fudge, who has served in the role for three years, spoke with USA Today and said, “It’s time to go home,” referring to Ohio, and that she “believe[s] strongly that [she has] done just about everything [she] could do at HUD.” She further noted she has no plans to return to public service work.
The White House acknowledged her statement, and President Biden noted her accomplishments in the role, which included “helping [ing] first-time homebuyers … working to cut the cost of renting” and building a record-breaking number of housing units.
It’s unclear how Biden will fare when trying to permanently appoint someone as Fudge’s replacement, especially since he failed to garner much support last year when he attempted to replace former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who stepped down from his post in 2023.
As of right now, Julie Su has been serving as acting Labor secretary since Walsh’s departure. Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will step in as acting Housing secretary to fill Fudge’s shoes for the time being.
According to Olivia Dalton, a White House spokesperson, Biden is certain to nominate a replacement. Whether or not the Senate will affirm that nomination has yet to be determined.
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