Joe Biden to publicly unveil cabinet picks

Joe Biden is unveiling his cabinet

Credit: AFP

Joe Biden plans to formally introduce proposed members of his cabinet today.

The team will include a host of former Obama administration officials.

Mr Biden’s choices will signal a shift away from Donald Trump’s "America First" policies, and a return to US engagement on the global stage.

His nominees will join Mr Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris for an in-person event in Wilmington, Delaware. all are expected to speak.

Mr Biden’s picks for national security and foreign policy posts include former secretary of state John Kerry, who will take the lead on combating climate change.

The president-elect has chosen Janet Yellen as the first woman to become treasury secretary.

Janet Yellen is nominated for treasury secretary

Credit: Reuters

She was previously nominated by Barack Obama to lead the Federal Reserve, the first woman in that position, and served from 2014 to 2018.

Mr Biden’s team suggests a return to a more traditional approach to governing, including veteran policymakers with strong relationships in Washington and global capitals.

It includes several firsts, including Avril Haines as the first woman to be nominates as director of national intelligence,  andlawyer  Alejandro Mayorkas as the first Hispanic homeland security secretary

Mr Biden has nominated his longtime adviser Tony Blinken to be secretary of state, and Jake Sullivan as national security adviser.

Tony Blinken will be secretary of state

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In a statement his transition team said: "These are experienced, crisis-tested leaders who are ready to hit the ground running on day one.

"These officials will start working immediately to rebuild our institutions, renew and reimagine American leadership to keep Americans safe at home and abroad, and address the defining challenges of our time — from infectious disease, to terrorism, nuclear proliferation, cyber threats, and climate change."

It is expected Mr Biden may soon nominate Michele Flournoy as the first woman defence secretary.

Mr Biden is moving forward with plans to fill out his administration as President Mr Trump continued his refusal to concede defeat in the election.

On Monday the General Services Administration ascertained that Mr Biden was the apparent winner of the election.

That cleared the way for the start of the transition which will see Mr Biden take over on Jan 20.