Karine Jean-Pierre to change into White House press secretary, the first Black and out LGBTQ person in the role

Jean-Pierre at the moment serves as the White House's principal deputy press secretary.

"Karine not solely brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she is going to proceed to lead the way in communicating concerning the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American individuals," Biden mentioned in a statement, adding that "Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White Home Briefing Room."

Jean-Pierre will formally begin following Psaki's final day, which will be May 13. CNN reported in April that Psaki was planning on leaving her position for one at MSNBC.

Last Could, Jean-Pierre became the second Black lady in historical past to carry the daily press briefing. She has served on the White Home's senior communications team since Biden took office and earlier than that was an adviser to his campaign and chief of workers to now-Vice President Kamala Harris.

Jean-Pierre's family consists of her associate, CNN national correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, and their daughter.

"I'm nonetheless processing it as a result of, as Jen mentioned, at the top it is a historic moment and it isn't lost on me. I understand how vital it's for thus many individuals out there. So many alternative communities that I stand on their shoulders," Jean-Pierre stated.

She added: "It is an honor and a privilege to be behind this podium."

Jean-Pierre additionally took a second to thank Psaki.

"She has been only a fantastic colleague, a friend, a mentor, during this previous year and a half and I do not suppose I might be right here with out so many people, however together with her and he or she is simply just a true strong, amazing individual," Jean-Pierre stated.

Jean-Pierre is conversant in her new role. She is commonly within the room when Psaki briefs reporters, has crammed in for her for on the lectern and has additionally gaggled with reporters traveling with Biden on Air Drive One. Lately, she replaced Psaki at the last minute for Biden's four-day journey to Europe amid the Russian invasion after Psaki tested constructive for Covid-19 the day earlier than Biden was scheduled to depart.

Psaki's departure is unsurprising, given she had been public about her plan to go away after one 12 months on the job. Several names had been into consideration to replace her, including Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who has turn out to be a visible face of the administration in briefings and on cable television since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

At the White House briefing Thursday, a visibly moved Psaki invited Jean-Pierre up to the podium together with her and the 2 women embraced as Psaki went through Jean-Pierre's qualifications and the significance of her taking the job.

"I simply need to take the chance to rejoice and congratulate my good friend, my colleague, my associate in fact, Karine Jean-Pierre, the following White House press secretary," Psaki told reporters at the White House.

She added: "She will be the first black girl, the primary out LGBTQ+ particular person to serve on this position, which is superb because representation issues and he or she goes to, she's going to give a voice to so many and permit and present so many what is actually possible if you work exhausting, and dream large and that matters, and ... we should always celebrate that."

Psaki additionally elaborated on Jean-Pierre's career up, describing her as a "outstanding" individual with "many years of expertise."

"I simply cannot wait to see her shine on the podium. So congratulations, and I can't wait to see you convey your own model, and brilliance, to this job, " Psaki stated.

Shut Biden adviser returns to White Home

The staffing shakeup in the press workplace comes as the White Home is making several other personnel strikes in preparation for a potential Republican takeover on Capitol Hill in the midterm elections. One in all Biden's closest advisers, Anita Dunn, will return to the West Wing as a senior adviser, as his staff additionally shores up the White Home counsel's office, given Republicans have promised to launch a slew of investigations in the event that they retake the bulk.

Dunn is completely leaving her consulting agency, SKDK, folks familiar with the matter inform CNN. She will now not be a associate in the firm or listed on the corporate's web site, people acquainted with the matter say.

Whereas Dunn not owns a chunk of the firm, after it was sold in 2015, her function as a top strategist to Biden, former President Barack Obama and plenty of other elected Democratic officials has given SKDK vital prominence in Washington and beyond. During the presidential campaign and the primary a number of months of the Biden administration, Dunn took a leave of absence from the firm. But given the brand new function at the White House, folks acquainted with the matter say, she is severing ties with the firm.

An official says Dunn will now be a full-time staff member, and -- as with any other full-time workers member -- will sign the ethics pledge, file an OGE 278 and be topic to all White Home ethics and battle of interest guidelines, including "rigorous counseling" on her ethics obligations.

This story has been up to date with extra developments on Thursday.

CNN's Jeff Zeleny and Sam Fossum contributed to this report.