Biden hopes to complete Cabinet picks by Christmas

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden's goal is to have his remaining Cabinet selections announced before Christmas, a transition official said.

Several announcements are expected next week. CIA director is expected to be at the beginning of the week, with others grouped together later, CNN reported.

The timing of an attorney general announcement remains unclear, with sources offering conflicting indications of when it will happen. A separate source on Thursday insisted Biden has yet to reach a final decision, but others believe he has. The four finalists are Alabama Sen. Doug Jones, Merrick Garland, Sally Yates and Deval Patrick, with Jones and Garland seen as the top two options.

Meanwhile, the President-elect announced yesterday a slate of new Cabinet nominees and picks for top roles in his administration, including Denis McDonough for secretary of Veterans Affairs, Tom Vilsack for Agriculture secretary and Marcia Fudge for secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Biden tapped former national security adviser Susan Rice as his director of the Domestic Policy Council. The President-elect also announced Katherine Tai, who oversaw trade enforcement for China, as his nominee for United States Trade Representative. All of Biden's picks announced Thursday except Rice will require confirmation by the United States Senate to serve in their roles.

Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris are expected to introduce these key administration members at an event on Friday in Wilmington, Delaware, the transition team said.