Turbulence marks the tenure of Xavier Becerra, the current Health and Human Services Secretary.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra is reportedly planning to exit President Joe Biden’s cabinet, with sights set on the California governorship for 2026.
According to the Daily Caller, Xavier Becerra's role as head of the Health and Human Services (HHS) has been fraught with challenges. His handling of crucial public health crises, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic and contentious issues like migrant children resettlements, has sparked debate and scrutiny.
Becerra's departure talks coincide with stories of significant internal strife within the Biden administration. Conflicts between Becerra and other administration figures, such as Domestic Policy Adviser Susan Rice, have reportedly been intense. Rice is said to have considerable animosity towards Becerra, a sentiment that has complicated professional interactions.
During an administration meeting that witnessed President Biden expressing dissatisfaction with Becerra’s performance, Susan Rice reportedly passed a note to Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. The content was short but telling: "Don’t save him."
These internal conflicts have manifested publicly on multiple occasions, raising questions about unity and cohesion within the administration. Yet, Becerra has consistently worked to fulfill his responsibilities, as indicated by his statement, "I am secretary of HHS, and, by law, I have to be secretary of HHS and nothing else. So I’m gonna do my job as best I can."
Even as he navigates these turbulent waters, Becerra explores new political horizons.
He is considering running for governor in his home state of California in the 2026 elections. This potential shift from federal to state leadership indicates his continuing ambition and commitment to public service.
Becerra's political maneuvers have been substantial. During his time in office, his state committee spent over $130,000 on campaign consultants. These expenditures have surprised even senior Biden administration officials, hinting at the depth of Becerra’s gubernatorial aspirations.
The tenure of Xavier Becerra at HHS highlights significant moments of contention and critical policy implementation. His administration's response to COVID-19, particularly the pace of updates regarding school reopenings, faced criticism for perceived delays.
Becerra was also at the helm during challenging times for the agency, including managing migrant children and their resettlement. His department faced harsh scrutiny over its ability to track these children and ensure they lived in humane conditions.
Becerra’s potential exit from the Biden administration draws the complex interplay of politics, public service, and personal ambition to the foreground. With current inner-administration tensions and his planned political future, Xavier Becerra remains a figure of significant intrigue and controversy.
As the story develops, the implications of Becerra's decisions will likely have far-reaching effects on both federal and state political landscapes. This chapter of his career serves as a quintessence of the enduring complexities within American political administration and strategy.
