Johnson had been under consideration to become Biden's secretary
of defense, but Biden nominated retired General Lloyd Austin for
that role. Johnson was also viewed as a candidate for attorney
general, a position that has not yet been announced.
"I will not be in the Biden administration," Johnson said in an
email.
When asked why, Johnson only referred to "the news over the last
24 hours," possibly referencing reports of Austin's selection
for the top Pentagon role.
Johnson helmed DHS from late 2013 to early 2017. He also served
as Department of Defense general counsel in the early years of
Barack Obama’s presidency and as general counsel of the Air
Force during the Clinton administration.
During Johnson’s DHS tenure in 2014, the Obama administration
announced a major program to grant deportation relief and work
permits to millions of immigrants living in the country
illegally, but that effort was ultimately blocked by a federal
appeals court.
Johnson also pushed to expand the detention of migrant families
as a deterrent following a surge in illegal immigration from
Central America in 2014, an effort that drew criticism from
pro-immigrant activists.
Johnson's comments will refocus attention on the other leading
candidates for attorney general.
Possible nominees include Sally Yates, a former deputy attorney
general, and Doug Jones, a former federal prosecutor and U.S.
senator with a strong civil rights record, Reuters reported
earlier this month.
Federal appeals court Judge Merrick Garland has also been
mentioned in media reports as a contender.
(Reporting by Ted Hesson in Washington; Additional reporting by
Sarah Lynch in Washington; Editing by Ross Colvin and Matthew
Lewis)
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