Joe Biden’s administration has seen a consistent lineup in his cabinet since the beginning of his presidency. Recently, on March 6, reporters from POLITICO Playbook had a discussion with Jeff Zients, the White House Chief of Staff. Zients affirmed that the current cabinet members would continue in their roles until January 20, which marks the end of the presidential term. Despite this assurance, the retirement announcement of one cabinet member shortly afterward has disrupted these plans.
Housing Secretary Marcia Fudge informed her workers via email on Monday, March 10, that she would be leaving her position effective March 22. This was reported by POLITICO. She added that she had mixed feelings about her decision to retire in addition to quitting.
Marcia Fudge, Biden’s housing secretary, is stepping down https://t.co/7JZFHlg9Jr
— POLITICO (@politico) March 11, 2024
After three years in the position, Fudge told USA Today it was time to “go home,” a reference to Ohio, and that she firmly felt she had accomplished everything she could have at HUD. She said that she had no intention of going back to work in public service.
President Biden praised her achievements in the position, which included assisting first-time homebuyers in lowering their rental costs and smashing records for the quantity of housing units built. The White House recognized her comments.
It’s uncertain how Biden would perform in his attempt to name a permanent replacement for Fudge, given that he didn’t get much support in his last bid to succeed former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh, who left his position in 2023.
Following Walsh’s resignation, Julie Su is the acting Labor secretary. To temporarily fill Fudge’s position as interim housing secretary, Deputy Secretary Adrianne Todman will take over. White House spokesman Olivia Dalton claims that Biden will undoubtedly propose a successor. It is unknown at this point if the Senate will approve that appointment.
