On May 5, President Biden announced Karine Jean-Pierre has been promoted to be assistant to the president and White House press secretary, according to a White House media release.
Jean-Pierre will step into the press secretary role, replacing Jen Psaki, who will depart from the White House on May 13. Jean-Pierre will be the first out LGBTQ+ woman to permanently be in that position.
President Joe Biden said, "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."
In a statement Windy City Times received, GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said, "Karine Jean-Pierre is a brilliant communicator and person of tremendous intelligence, humor and poise, skills that will serve her and our country well in her new role. There are few jobs more visible or more important to our democracy than to share information with the White House press corps and answer their questions.
"To have an out queer person of color speak for the president of the United States says everything about Karine's talent and heart, and recognizes that LGBTQ people can belong, contribute and succeed in every room. Our whole community looks forward to seeing Karine deliver for our nation and represent every LGBTQ person with pride."
As deputy press secretary, Jean-Pierre was the first out LGBTQ+ woman and second Black woman to lead a White House briefing in May 2021.
The White House also announced the return of Anita Dunn as a senior advisor and assistant to the president.