Karine Jean-Pierre will succeed Jen Psaki as White House press secretary when she leaves next week, according to US President Joe Biden. Thereby, making her the first Black and out LGBTQ person to hold the position.
Currently, Jean-Pierre serves as the White House’s chief deputy press secretary.
“Karine not only brings the experience, talent, and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people,” Biden said in a statement.
On May 13, after Psaki’s final day in office, Jean-Pierre will take over.
Jean-Pierre became only the second black woman in history to hold the daily press briefing in May of last year. She worked as a campaign adviser for Biden and as the chief of staff for now-Vice President Kamala Harris before joining the White House’s senior communications team after he was elected.
Historic moment
The White House faces an uphill battle in this fall’s midterm elections to help Democrats keep control of the House and Senate. The administration is straining to address Americans’ concerns about rising inflation and the economy.
She also takes over at a time when Biden is grappling with several foreign policy concerns. It includes Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s growing nuclear testing program. Biden will visit South Korea and Japan later this month, as well as Europe in June.
Anita Dunn, a well-known Democratic strategist, will return as a senior counselor to Biden. After Biden took office last year, she worked in the Biden White House for several months.
Psaki, who will leave the White House on May 13, commended her successor as a “partner in truth”. Thereby, emphasizing the historic nature of the appointment.
“Representation matters and she is going to give a voice to so many and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big,” Psaki said.
Jean-Pierre said she was “still processing” the significance of her appointment. She said it is “an honor and privilege to be behind this podium.”
“This is a historic moment, and it’s not lost on me,” she said. “It’s a very emotional day.”