Biden Announces Karine Jean-Pierre Will Replace Jen Psaki As Press Secretary

On Thursday, President Biden announced that Karine Jean-Pierre would be replacing Jen Psaki as the White House Press Secretary when Psaki departs on May 13. Jean-Pierre is currently the White House’s principal deputy press secretary.

“I am proud to announce that Karine Jean-Pierre will serve as the next White House Press Secretary,” Biden said in a statement. “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.”

“Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room,” he continued. “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 her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward.”

Psaki praised Biden’s decision to replace her with Jean-Pierre, writing on Twitter, “Representation matters and she will give a voice to many, but also make many dream big about what is truly possible. [Jean-Pierre] has decades of experience from her early years working in government and politics in NYC, to her years as an outspoken advocate, to serving as a long-time advisor to back when [Biden] was the VP.”

“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,” Psaki continued. “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.”