McDonough chosen as Obama’s No. 2 security adviser

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama on Friday promoted one of his key national security aides, Denis McDonough, to be his No. 2 national security adviser.

As deputy national security adviser, McDonough will serve under the new national security adviser, Tom Donilon, who held the second-ranking job himself until recently being promoted earlier this month to succeed Gen. James Jones in the top position. McDonough’s move was expected.

“For years, I have counted on Denis McDonough’s expertise and counsel,” Obama said in a statement.

McDonough has been serving as chief of staff to the National Security Council. Previously, he was the council’s head of strategic communications under Obama, and he also served a senior adviser to Obama during his presidential run and his transition to the White House.