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

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

"Karine not solely brings the expertise, talent and integrity needed for this tough job, however she's going to continue to paved the way in communicating in regards to the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people," Biden said in a statement, adding that "Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room."

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

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

Jean-Pierre's household includes her companion, CNN nationwide correspondent Suzanne Malveaux, and their daughter.

"I'm nonetheless processing it because, as Jen mentioned, on the high this is a historic moment and it isn't misplaced on me. I understand how essential it's for so many individuals out there. So many various communities that I stand on their shoulders," Jean-Pierre mentioned.

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 wonderful colleague, a good friend, a mentor, throughout this previous 12 months and a half and I do not assume I'd be right here without so many individuals, but including her and she or he is just just a true strong, wonderful person," Jean-Pierre mentioned.

Jean-Pierre is acquainted with her new role. She is often within the room when Psaki briefs reporters, has filled in for her for on the lectern and has also gaggled with reporters traveling with Biden on Air Power One. Not too long ago, she replaced Psaki at the last minute for Biden's four-day trip to Europe amid the Russian invasion after Psaki tested optimistic 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 leave after one yr on the job. Several names had been into account to interchange her, including Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who has grow to be a visual face of the administration in briefings and on cable tv since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

On the White House briefing Thursday, a visibly moved Psaki invited Jean-Pierre up to the rostrum together with her and the 2 girls embraced as Psaki went via Jean-Pierre's qualifications and the importance of her taking the job.

"I just need to take the chance to rejoice and congratulate my good friend, my colleague, my partner in truth, Karine Jean-Pierre, the next White Home press secretary," Psaki instructed reporters on the White Home.

She added: "She would be the first black lady, the first out LGBTQ+ person to serve on this function, which is superb as a result of illustration issues and she or he is going to, she will give a voice to so many and permit and show so many what is truly attainable whenever you work exhausting, and dream massive and that issues, and ... we must always have a good time that."

Psaki also elaborated on Jean-Pierre's career up, describing her as a "exceptional" person with "decades of experience."

"I simply can't wait to see her shine at the podium. So congratulations, and I can't wait to see you convey your individual fashion, and brilliance, to this job, " Psaki mentioned.

Shut Biden adviser returns to White Home

The staffing shakeup in the press office comes because the White House is making a number of other personnel moves in preparation for a potential Republican takeover on Capitol Hill within the midterm elections. One in all Biden's closest advisers, Anita Dunn, will return to the West Wing as a senior adviser, as his crew also shores up the White Home 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, individuals conversant in the matter tell CNN. She is going to now not be a companion within the agency or listed on the company's website, folks aware of the matter say.

Whereas Dunn no longer owns a chunk of the agency, after it was offered in 2015, her role as a prime strategist to Biden, former President Barack Obama and plenty of other elected Democratic officials has given SKDK important prominence in Washington and past. Throughout the presidential campaign and the first several months of the Biden administration, Dunn took a go away of absence from the agency. But given the brand new function on the White Home, people aware of 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 all different full-time staff member -- will signal the ethics pledge, file an OGE 278 and be subject to all White House ethics and battle of curiosity guidelines, including "rigorous counseling" on her ethics obligations.

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

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