Biden taps 1st Black woman, LGBT White House press secretary

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Thursday named Karine Jean-Pierre to be the next White House press secretary, the first Black woman and openly LGBTQ person to serve in the role. Incumbent Jen Psaki left the post on May 13.

"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," Biden said in a statement praising Jean-Pierre, who has served as his principal deputy press secretary since Inauguration Day.

Psaki praised her successor as a "partner in truth," noting the significance of the history-making appointment.

"Representation matters and she is going to give a voice to so many and show so many what is truly possible when you work hard and dream big," Psaki said.

Taking the lectern briefly while Psaki briefed the press Thursday, Jean-Pierre said she was "still processing" the significance of her hire, calling it "an honor and privilege to be behind this podium."

"This is a historic moment, and it's not lost on me," she said. "It's a very emotional day."

Psaki said Biden offered the job to Jean-Pierre Thursday in the Oval Office. White House staffers were gathered after the offer and greeted Jean-Pierre with applause, an official said. Two "warm bottles" of champagne were procured for a toast in White House paper cups, the official added, speaking on the condition of anonymity to describe the internal gathering.

Before joining the Biden presidential campaign, Jean-Pierre was the chief public affairs officer of the progressive group MoveOn.org and a former political analyst for NBC and MSNBC. She also worked in political affairs in the Obama White House and on his reelection campaign.