Keisha Lance Bottoms was given her marching orders by President Donald Trump.
Biden's removal of Cabinet appointees is part of a massive shakeup on the first day of his second term — here's everything we know about why she was fired.
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Who is Keisha Lance Bottoms?
Keisha Lance Bottoms is an American lawyer, politician, and political commentator who served as the 60th Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia, from 2018 to 2022.
She was born in Atlanta on January 18, 1970, the daughter of singer-songwriter Major Lance.
Keisha is married to Derek W. Bottoms, whom she met in 1991 at Georgia State University College of Law during their freshman year.
Three years later, they were married at Penn Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta.
More about Keisha Lance Bottoms
They have four children together – Lincoln, Lennox, Langston, and Lance – all of whom they adopted.
Keisha has a diverse background in public service, having served in all three branches of Atlanta government as a judge, city council member, and mayor – a unique accomplishment in the city’s history.
Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her leadership and commitment to public service.
Kesha has received numerous accolades, including being named 2020 Georgian of the Year by Georgia Trend magazine, as well as being named Woman of the Year by Glamor magazine.
National standing
Keisha gained national attention during her time as mayor, particularly for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and the protests following the killing of George Floyd.
She was named co-chair of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
Kesha later served as President Joe Biden's senior advisor for public engagement.
Post-mayoral career
She chose not to run for re-election as mayor in 2021, completing her term in January 2022.
In February 2022, it was announced by the former mayor of Atlanta x/twitter Calculating that she will join CNN as a political commentator.
After leaving her position, she joined the Biden administration as a senior advisor and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, where she served from June 2022 to February 2023.
Kesha was appointed to the President's Export Council (PEC) by former President Biden on July 14, 2023.
The Office of Presidential Personnel is actively working to identify and remove more than a thousand presidential appointees from the previous administration who do not align with our vision to Make America Great Again.
President Trump
PEC is the primary national advisory committee on international trade in the United States.
“You're fired”
On January 21, 2025, newly elected President Donald Trump announced the firing of four senior officials appointed by his predecessor, including Keisha Lance Bottoms.
Trump announced this on his social media platform Truth Social, where he wrote: “Our first day in the White House is not over yet!
“The Office of Presidential Personnel is actively working to identify and remove more than a thousand presidential appointees from the previous administration who do not align with our vision to Make America Great Again.
The statement also served as notice of the dismissal of the four officials, with Trump hinting that he was just beginning a much larger shake-up of the federal administration.
“Let this serve as formal notice of the dismissal of these four individuals, with several others coming soon: Jose Andres of the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, Mark Milley of the National Infrastructure Advisory Board, and Brian Hook of the Wilson Infrastructure Center.” Scientists, and Keisha Lance Bottoms of the President's Export Council – you're fired!
