Jean-Pierre will be the first Black woman, and the first openly gay person, to hold the position of White House press secretary.
Jen Psaki plans to leave the White House on May 13, 2022, and her current deputy, Karine Jean-Pierre, will be her replacement.
“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.
Jean-Pierre got her start in New York City politics before serving on several campaigns, in the Obama–Biden administration, and as a longtime adviser to Biden and the first lady.
Jean-Pierre was born in Haiti and immigrated to the US as a child, growing up in Queens, New York. She has served as deputy press secretary and has filled in for Psaki, who has called her a friend and “partner in truth.”
“She will give a voice to so many,” Psaki said, “and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big.”
