The White House announced Thursday that Carin Jean-Pierre will replace Jen Psaki as White House spokeswoman next week.
Jean-Pierre, who is currently chief deputy spokesman, will become the first openly gay man and the first black woman to serve as White House spokesman. The White House has said Jean-Pierre will take office on May 13.
“Karin not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating 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 Karin for a long time and she will be a strong voice who will speak for me and this administration.
“Jen Psaki has set the standard for restoring decency, respect and decency in the White House briefing room,” he said. “I want to thank Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and honestly with the American people, and maintaining a sense of humor as she does so.”
Psaki, who has served as spokesman since the Biden administration began, is expected to leave MSNBC.
Psaki described Jean-Pierre as a “remarkable woman” and noted her experience in New York politics and government, as well as her work as an adviser to Biden when he was vice president during the Obama administration. Psaki also noted the historical nature of Jean-Pierre’s rise in the role.
“Representation matters and it will give a voice to many, but it will also make many dream of what is really possible,” Psaki tweeted.
Thursday’s announcement put an end to months of speculation about who will replace Psaki when she decides to leave the administration. Jean-Pierre has always been seen as a leading contender for the role, but other names are being highlighted as opportunities, including White House Director of Communications Kate Bedingfield.
Initially, Psaki planned to leave the role in about a year. Reports surfaced last month that she was in discussions for a role at MSNBC. Psaki has not confirmed these discussions, and Thursday’s statement said nothing about her future plans.
Jean-Pierre has a long resume in political and government positions, including participating in Biden’s campaign, and previously as chief public relations officer at MoveOn.org. She served in the White House under former President Obama and in the Obama campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
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After being Psaki’s deputy for more than a year, Jean-Pierre has teased several times and informed reporters from the podium.
Jean-Pierre made history about a year ago when he gave his first briefing, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person to hold a briefing from the podium.
Updated at 4:05 p.m.
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