President Joe Biden is revealing who will replace Jen Psaki as the new White House press secretary.
In a statement Thursday, the president announced that Karine Jean-Pierre will be promoted to press secretary after Psaki leaves the position on May 13.
“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. Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration,” Biden said in a statement.
He continued, “Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room. I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so.”
“I thank Jen [for] her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward,” the president added.
In a series of tweets, Psaki wrote, “Lots to say about how grateful I am to [Biden] and [First Lady Jill Biden] and the Biden family for trusting me to serve as press secretary]and plenty of time before my last day to share, but today is about [Jean-Pierre] so a few thoughts on this remarkable woman who will soon be behind the podium every day.”
“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,” she continued.
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.
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) May 5, 2022
Finally, Psaki said, “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.”
“I can’t wait to see her shine as she brings her own style, brilliance and grace to the podium,” she concluded.
I can’t wait to see her shine as she brings her own style, brilliance and grace to the podium.
— Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) May 5, 2022
Axios reported in April that Psaki was planning on leaving her position this spring and was in talks with MSNBC about joining the network.
Psaki has served as Biden’s press secretary since he entered the White House last January.
Jean-Pierre has served as the deputy press secretary during the same time period.
