President Joe Biden on Thursday named Karine Jean-Pierre as the next White House Press Secretary, the first black and openly lesbian woman to serve in that role.
The current secretary, Jen Psaki, will step down next week. Jean-Pierre takes over as the White House is locked in a fight to help Democrats hold on to the House and Senate in midterm elections and grapple with inflation and the economy.
“Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity required for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead communication on the work of the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden said in a statement praising Jean-Pierre. , who has served as his top deputy press secretary since his inauguration.
Psaki, who will leave the White House on May 13, hailed her successor as a “partner in truth,” highlighting the importance of the historic appointment. “Representation is important and she will give so many a voice and she will show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big,” she said.
“I am so grateful to have had Karine by my side for the last fifteen months, and I can’t wait to see her shine on the podium,” said Psaki, holding Jean-Pierre’s hand. «Congratulations, and I can’t wait to see you bring your own flair and brilliance to this work.”
Biden offered Jean-Pierre the job Thursday in the Oval Office. White House staff gathered after accepting the offer and greeted Jean-Pierre with applause, an official said.
He had occasionally taken Psaki’s place in the news conference room, most often holding off-camera groups with reporters when Biden was traveling on Air Force One.
Before joining Biden’s presidential campaign, Jean-Pierre was director of public affairs for the progressive group MoveOn.org and an analyst for NBC and MSNBC.
He also worked on political issues at the Obama White House and on his re-election campaign.
Psaki “has set the standard for bringing decency, respect and decorum back to the White House briefing room,” Biden said. “I want to thank Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and honestly with the American people, and keeping her sense of humor in doing so. I thank Jen for her service to the country and wish her the best.”
