White House Chief Economist Brian Deese to depart after two years:
The White House announced on February 2, 2023 the departure of Brian Deese, director of the White House National Economic Council, after two years of service under the Biden Administration.
In a statement, President Biden thanked Deese for his help dealing with “high unemployment, an economy in crisis and closed shops across the country.” He also expressed gratitude to Deese’s wife and children for “lending” her husband and father for this time.
The New York Times newspaper and the CNBC television network reported that the two candidates being considered for Deese’s position were the current Vice President of the Federal Reserve, Lael Brainard, and the Undersecretary of the Treasury, Wally Adeyemo.
In his note, Biden recognized Deese’s “crucial” work to push forward with measures of his economic agenda and mentioned among them the 1.9 trillion dollar stimulus plan approved in March 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Laws last August.
Deese’s departure was announced shortly after the White House ceremony last Wednesday to mark the end of Chief of Staff Ron Klain’s two-year term, and the beginning of his replacement, Jeff Zients.
With Deese’s departure and Biden’s announcement of his intention to run for re-election in the US Presidential election this November, the White House staff will go through a process of renewal. Following the appointment of a new Chief Economist, a further reshuffle of personnel is to be expected.