Obama Appoints 100+ Supporters And Aides To New Government Positions
President Obama’s last days in office have clocked down to his last hours. Before he leaves, he’s making sure he gets in some final executive orders, including a final batch of commutations and taking care of his long-time supporters.
CNN reports that senior adviser Valerie Jarrett and National Security Adviser Susan Rice were among more than 100 of the soon-to-be former aides that Obama appointed to new government positions.
Some have expressed concern regarding the action, fearing that it exposes a level of nepotism and corruption within the government. However, White House officials contest that everyone who was appointed has records that speak for themselves and are more than capable of filling their positions.
“This is entirely consistent with the executive authority that’s vested in the White House,” said White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest. “President Obama’s executing that authority consistent with the best interest of the American people.”
Obama’s appointments included far more than aides, advisers and other former staffers. For example,Gabrielle Douglas, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Carli Lloyd were added to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Unlike President-Elect Trump’s appointments, which are currently going through lengthy confirmation hearings, none of Obama’s require Senate confirmation.