Karine Jean-Pierre is stepping into the White House press secretary’s shoes, becoming the first Black and LGBTQ person to hold the position, CNN reported.
Outgoing press secretary Jen Psaki will depart May 13 to take a gig at MSNBC.
“I am still processing it because … at the top this is a historic moment and it’s not lost on me,” Jean-Pierre said of taking the reins. “I understand how important it is for so many people out there. So many different communities that I stand on their shoulders.”
She added, “It is an honor and a privilege to be behind this podium.”
She may be new to the job, but she and President Joe Biden go way back. She worked for him while he served as vice president to Barack Obama, and then joined Biden’s campaign in 2020 before becoming a member of his team at the White House.
In a statement, Biden praised Psaki’s cool head under pressure and highlighted the historic nature of Jean-Pierre’s role.
“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.
He added that Psaki “has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room.”
Before serving on the White House’s senior communications team, Jean-Pierre was chief of staff to Vice President Kamala Harris. She shares a daughter with her partner, CNN national correspondent Suzanne Malveaux.