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

Jean-Pierre currently serves because the White Home's principal deputy press secretary.

"Karine not only brings the expertise, talent and integrity wanted for this tough job, but she's going to continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American individuals," Biden mentioned in a statement, including 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 last day, which might be May 13. CNN reported in April that Psaki was planning on leaving her role for one at MSNBC.

Last Could, Jean-Pierre grew to become the second Black girl in historical past to carry the day by day press briefing. She has served on the White House's senior communications team since Biden took office and before that was an adviser to his marketing campaign and chief of employees to now-Vice President Kamala Harris.

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

"I'm still processing it because, as Jen said, on the top this is a historic second and it's not misplaced on me. I understand how important it's for therefore many people out there. So many different communities that I stand on their shoulders," Jean-Pierre stated.

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

Jean-Pierre additionally took a moment to thank Psaki.

"She has been only a wonderful colleague, a buddy, a mentor, during this past year and a half and I don't assume I'd be right here without so many individuals, however including her and he or she is just just a true stable, amazing particular person," Jean-Pierre stated.

Jean-Pierre is conversant in her new function. She is usually in the room when Psaki briefs reporters, has stuffed in for her for on the lectern and has additionally gaggled with reporters traveling with Biden on Air Force One. Not too long ago, she changed Psaki at the last minute for Biden's four-day trip to Europe amid the Russian invasion after Psaki tested positive for Covid-19 the day earlier than Biden was scheduled to leave.

Psaki's departure is unsurprising, given she had been public about her plan to go away after one yr on the job. A number of names had been into account to exchange her, including Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who has grow to be a visual face of the administration in briefings and on cable television since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

At the White Home briefing Thursday, a visibly moved Psaki invited Jean-Pierre as much as the podium along with her and the 2 ladies embraced as Psaki went by Jean-Pierre's qualifications and the significance of her taking the job.

"I simply want to take the chance to have a good time and congratulate my good friend, my colleague, my accomplice in fact, Karine Jean-Pierre, the subsequent White House press secretary," Psaki instructed reporters at the White Home.

She added: "She would be the first black woman, the first out LGBTQ+ person to serve on this role, which is amazing because illustration issues and she is going to, she will give a voice to so many and permit and present so many what is actually potential if you work hard, and dream huge and that matters, and ... we must always have a good time that."

Psaki additionally elaborated on Jean-Pierre's profession up, describing her as a "remarkable" 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 deliver your own model, and brilliance, to this job, " Psaki mentioned.

Close Biden adviser returns to White Home

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

Dunn is completely leaving her consulting agency, SKDK, folks acquainted with the matter inform CNN. She is going to not be a associate within the agency or listed on the company's website, individuals aware of the matter say.

Whereas Dunn not owns a piece of the firm, after it was offered in 2015, her position as a prime strategist to Biden, former President Barack Obama and many different elected Democratic officials has given SKDK significant prominence in Washington and past. During the presidential marketing campaign and the primary several months of the Biden administration, Dunn took a depart of absence from the firm. However given the brand new role at the White Home, people familiar with the matter say, she is severing ties with the agency.

An official says Dunn will now be a full-time employees member, and -- as with every other full-time employees member -- will signal the ethics pledge, file an OGE 278 and be subject to all White Home ethics and battle of interest guidelines, together with "rigorous counseling" on her ethics obligations.

This story has been updated with further developments on Thursday.

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