WASHINGTON — After much speculation and controversy, the White House announced late Tuesday night it has pulled Neera Tanden’s nomination for Director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Tanden came under fire during the confirmation process after past critical comments of lawmakers on both sides of the aisle surfaced on social media.
“I have accepted Neera Tanden’s request to withdraw her name from nomination for Director of the Office of Management and Budget,” President Joe Biden said in a statement. “I have the utmost respect for her record of accomplishment, her experience and her counsel, and I look forward to having her serve in a role in my Administration. She will bring valuable perspective and insight to our work.”
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah all said they would not vote to confirm her. Tanden deleted over 1,000 tweets from her personal account the day after the election, including one slamming Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent who caucuses with Democrats.
Tanden apologized and expressed regret over her past tweets. In a letter to Biden, Tanden said it was the “honor of a lifetime” to be considered for the role.
“I appreciate how hard you and your team at the White House has worked to win my confirmation. Unfortunately, it now seems clear that there is no path forward to gain confirmation, and I do not want continued consideration of my nomination to be a distraction from your other priorities,” Tanden wrote.
While it has not been officially announced by the White House or the President, reports are suggesting Shalanda Young will be named as the nominee to replace Tanden.
Young said her policy experience would complement the expertise of Tanden, who has led the liberal Center for American Progress.
