National Security Adviser Is Bush's Choice to Replace Powell Nov. 15, 2004 — National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice will be nominated to replace Colin Powell as secretary of state, ABC News has learned. Senior administration sources confirmed that Rice would be Bush's choice. The news comes just hours after the White House announced Powell had submitted his resignation.Rice, considered to be one of the president's closest counselors, has served as national security adviser since Bush first took office.