Joe Biden Appoints First Black and Lesbian White House Secretary

The White House announced on 05-05-2022 that Karine Jean-Pierre will replace Jen Psaki as White House press secretary in the coming week on May 13. Jean-Pierre, the current Principal Deputy Press Secretary, will become the first openly gay person and first Black woman to hold the role of White House press secretary.

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

Psaki, who has held the role of press secretary since the start of the Biden administration, is expected to leave for a job at MSNBC.

Psaki described Jean-Pierre as a “remarkable woman” and noted her experience in New York City politics and government as well as her work as an adviser to Biden when he served as vice president during the Obama administration. Psaki also noted the historic nature of Jean-Pierre’s ascension to the role.

“Representation matters and she will give a voice to many, but also make many dream big about what is truly possible,” Psaki tweeted.

Jean-Pierre made history about a year ago when she delivered her first briefing, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person to brief from the podium.