MBN USA

May 27, 2022

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Jean-Pierre first Black woman to hold position

President Joe Biden recently named Karine Jean-Pierre assistant to the president and White House press secretary, effective May 13. She is the first Black woman and the first openly gay person to serve in the role.

Jean-Pierre replaces Jen Psaki, who announced months ago that she would be departing the White House.

“I am proud to announce that Karine Jean-Pierre will serve as the next White House press secretary,” said President Biden. “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 for her service to the country and wish her the very best as she moves forward.”

Previously, Jean-Pierre was the principal deputy press secretary and deputy assistant to the president. She is a longtime adviser to Biden, having served in senior communication and political roles in the Biden administration and campaign, and to then-Vice President Biden in the Obama administration.

Before her role on the campaign, she served as chief public affairs officer for MoveOn.org and as an NBC and MSNBC political analyst. She served as regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Obama-Biden administration and as deputy battleground states director for President Barack Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign. In addition, she served as southeast regional political director for Obama’s 2008 campaign, deputy campaign manager for Martin O’Malley for President, campaign manager for the American Civil Liberty Union’s Reproductive Freedom for All initiative and deputy chief of staff and director of legislative and budget affairs for two members in the New York city council.

Previously, Jean-Pierre worked at the Center for Community and Corporate Ethics, pushing major companies to change their business practices, and she is a published author. Born in Martinique and raised in New York, Jean-Pierre is a graduate of Columbia University.

Anita Dunn returns to the White House

The White House also announced the return of Anita Dunn as a senior adviser and assistant to the president. She advised on the administration’s overall strategy and messaging, helping the president take steps and win legislative victories that helped jump-start the economy after the pandemic. 

Before that, she served as a senior adviser on the Biden-Harris campaign, advising on all aspects of the campaign. She rejoins the White House staff from her communications and political consulting firm SKDK and will assist in advancing the president’s policy and communications objectives.

Dunn is a communications and political strategist and a close adviser to Biden. 

To learn more about Karine Jean-Pierre, visit whitehouse.gov.