Biden Administration Implements New Guidelines for Cabinet Power Shifts

The Biden administration's New Guidelines for Cabinet Authority Delegation

Biden Administration's Response

The Biden administration has introduced new guidelines to prioritize informing the president in the event of a Cabinet leader's authority being transferred to a subordinate.

Background and New Protocols

The move comes after Politico revealed that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin kept his hospitalisation secret for several days, even from President Joe Biden and other senior officials.

In a memo obtained by White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, he outlined new protocols for when a delegation of authority should occur. Zients emphasised the importance of ensuring that all agencies have a standard set of protocols to follow in the event of a delegation of authority.

Requirements

The memo stipulates that departments are now required to notify both the White House Office of Cabinet Affairs and Zients' office when they anticipate or prepare for a delegation of authority, as well as when the delegation actually takes place.

Transparency Concerns

The lack of transparency resulted in rare public tension between the White House and the Pentagon. Following the revelation of Austin's undisclosed hospitalization, Zients promptly instructed all agencies to submit detailed reviews of their protocols for power transfers.

Immediate Actions

In response to the memo, the White House is taking steps to ensure that all departments have clear and standardized procedures in place for the delegation of authority. This move signifies the administration's commitment to transparency and accountability within the Cabinet.