Biden's historically diverse cabinet leaves lasting legacy
As President Biden's term ends, his administration's focus on diversity is highlighted by historic appointments, including the first Native American Cabinet official and the first female Treasury Secretary.
"Lots of women, lots of women of color," said Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, reflecting on President Joe Biden's legacy and her own as the first Native American to hold a cabinet seat.
"I've been honored to serve alongside my colleagues for this four years, and feel that we have made a real difference in how folks, perhaps, look at Indian country, for example," Haaland said. "It's been important for underrepresented communities to have a voice, to have a voice in our government. Not everybody has always felt that they have had a voice in our government. And so I think President Biden, through his actions, invited more people to the table."
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the first woman in her position, also shared her thoughts.
"It was great to see a little girl who is really inspired by the idea of becoming a future treasury secretary. I'm number 78," Yellen said.
Political analysts note that Biden's focus on diversity extends beyond his cabinet to his appointments to the federal bench, which include a range of professional backgrounds, races, and genders.
"More women, you know, more people of color, and that's something that will last," said political analyst Marc Sandalow.
This includes Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the nation's highest court.
"Usually, you see Democrats put up people who are prosecutors because they think that they will sail through confirmation. This hasn't been the case for Joe Biden; you see a lot of people with diverse backgrounds, as well as public defenders," said political analyst Todd Belt.
As the Biden administration comes to a close, Yellen and Haaland leave behind a message for the next generation and others who look like them.
"I think the message to girls is there are so many wonderful opportunities and lots of paths and great opportunities to contribute that are open to you," Yellen said.
"Stay at the table. You've had an opportunity to be at the table this last four years, and you have a seat there, and they should take their seats every chance they get," Haaland said.
Other historic picks in Biden's administration include Vice President Kamala Harris, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.
