Obama names Susan Rice as national security adviser

President Barack Obama has formally named US Ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice as his new national security advisor, an appointment likely to inflame tensions with Republicans.

Obama made the announcement in a ceremony in the White House Rose Garden on Wednesday, AFP reported.

The US president praised Rice as an “exemplary public servant” who is “passionate and pragmatic” and a champion for justice and human dignity.

“Put simply, Susan exemplifies the finest tradition of American diplomacy and leadership,” Obama said.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled to serve our country as your national security adviser,” Rice said at the event.

Rice, a close Obama confidante, will replace Tom Donilon who is resigning at the beginning of July.

Obama also nominated Samantha Power, a longtime foreign policy adviser, to take over Rice’s role at the United Nations.

Rice became the target of Republicans’ criticism over the 2012 attacks on two US compounds in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four US citizens, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.

Republicans have accused Rice of misleading the public over the nature of the attacks by describing them as the result of a spontaneous protest, rather than pre-planned attacks.

Republicans also alleged that she played down the Benghazi incident to protect Obama from criticism during a difficult reelection campaign.

Rice had been Obama’s first choice to succeed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the start of his second term but the furor over the Benghazi attacks made Rice withdraw her name.

Obama ultimately nominated former US Sen. John Kerry for the post.