The White House's First Black Female and LGBTQ+ Spokesperson Emerges

Senior Deputy Spokesperson Karin Jean-Pierre to Succeed Jen Psaki

Karin Jean-Pierre, New White House Press Secretary
[Image Source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] For the first time in history, a Black woman and a member of the LGBTQ community has been appointed as White House Press Secretary, the "voice" of the U.S. President.

On the 5th (local time), the White House announced that Karine Jean-Pierre, the Deputy Press Secretary, has been promoted to succeed Jen Psaki as Press Secretary. She will officially begin her duties after Jen Psaki steps down on the 13th.

President Joe Biden said, "Karine has the experience, capability, and integrity needed for this challenging role," adding, "She will be a strong voice representing me and the administration." Psaki also praised her on Twitter, calling her "the first Black woman and first LGBTQ White House Press Secretary" and "an outstanding woman."

Jean-Pierre, a former political analyst, worked on Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign and was active in the progressive civic group MoveOn in 2016. Her connection with the Biden administration began when she joined the 2020 presidential campaign, serving as a senior advisor to then vice-presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Since the start of the Biden administration, she has served as a senior advisor in the White House communications team. Notably, in May last year, she gained attention as the first Black woman in 30 years to conduct a White House briefing, following Judy Smith, former Deputy Press Secretary during the George H.W. Bush administration in 1991.

Local media expect Jean-Pierre to carry out her duties smoothly, as she has assisted Psaki multiple times. CNN reported, "She has occasionally briefed reporters aboard Air Force One, the U.S. President's plane, and recently stepped in for Psaki, who tested positive for COVID-19, ahead of President Biden's European trip late last month."

Jean-Pierre, 44 years old this year, is openly LGBTQ and has a family consisting of her spouse, CNN reporter Susan Malveaux, and one daughter. The New York Times evaluated this appointment as adding diversity among senior officials in the Biden administration.

Psaki, who is stepping down after 1 year and 4 months since Biden's inauguration, plans to work as a broadcaster at the progressive network MSNBC. Simon Sanders, former spokesperson for Vice President Harris, also moved to MSNBC in January and currently hosts weekend shows.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.