Karine Jean-Pierre has been announced as the next White House press secretary, becoming the first Black and openly LGBTQI+ person to serve in the high-profile position.
US President Joe Biden has named Jean-Pierre as the replacement of outgoing press secretary Jen Psaki who has decided to step down from the role. Jean-Pierre is currently the Biden administration’s principal deputy press secretary.
“She will be the first black woman and the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as the White House Press Secretary. Representation matters and she will give a voice to many, but also make many dream big about what is truly possible,'” Jen Psaki said on Twitter.
“She is passionate. She is smart and she has a moral core that makes her not just a great colleague, but an amazing Mom and human. Plus, she has a great sense of humor.
“One of our first conversations was about how to build a drama free team that focused on doing the job and also supporting each other while playing a role every day in rebuilding trust in government. Grateful to have had her by my side.
“I can’t wait to see her shine as she brings her own style, brilliance and grace to the podium.”
Jean-Pierre is a long-time advisor to Biden, previously working in senior communication and political roles in the Biden Administration, the Biden campaign, and in the Obama Administration.
She has also served as Chief Public Affairs Officer for MoveOn.org and as a political analyst with NBC and MSNBC.
“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.
“Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.”
Jen Psaki is moving on to a role at MSNBC.