Karine Jean-Pierre to Become 1st Black and Openly Gay White House Press Secretary!

Karine Jean-Pierre continues to make history!

On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced that the principal deputy press secretary will be the next White House press secretary when incumbent Jen Psaki heads to MSNBC on May 13.

This announcement means Jean-Pierre will become the first Black and first openly gay White House press secretary in American history!

“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,” President Biden said in a statement, noting that Jean-Pierre has also been promoted to assistant to the president.

“[Wife Dr. Jill Biden] and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration.”

In his statement, the president also offered his well-wishes to Psaki, who 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,” President Biden continued. “I thank Jen for her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward.”

Of course, Jean-Pierre is no stranger to breaking barriers.

Last May, she became the first openly gay woman, and the second Black woman, to lead a press briefing.

“It’s a real honor to be standing here today… I appreciate the historic nature,” she said at the time, adding, “I believe that being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building, is not about one person.”

“It’s about what we do on behalf of the American people,” she added. “Clearly, the president believes representation matters and I appreciate him giving me this opportunity, and it’s another reason why I think we are all so proud that this is the most diverse administration in history.”

Born in Haiti, Jean-Pierre previously worked as a campaign organizer and as the national spokeswoman for MoveOn.org. Her partner, journalist Suzanne Malveaux, works for CNN.

Congratulations to Karine on your well-deserved honor!

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