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

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

"Karine not only brings the expertise, talent and integrity wanted for this difficult job, but she is going to continue to lead the way in speaking about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people," Biden mentioned in an announcement, adding that "Jen Psaki has set the usual for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White Home Briefing Room."

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

Last May, Jean-Pierre turned the second Black woman in history to hold the each day press briefing. She has served on the White Home's senior communications crew since Biden took workplace and before that was an adviser to his campaign and chief of workers to now-Vice President Kamala Harris.

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

"I am nonetheless processing it because, as Jen said, on the high this can be a historic moment and it is not lost on me. I perceive how essential it is for so many people on the market. So many various communities that I stand on their shoulders," Jean-Pierre said.

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

Jean-Pierre also took a moment to thank Psaki.

"She has been just a fantastic colleague, a good friend, a mentor, throughout this past year and a half and I do not suppose I would be right here without so many people, but together with her and he or she is just only a true solid, wonderful particular person," Jean-Pierre mentioned.

Jean-Pierre is aware of her new function. She is commonly within the room when Psaki briefs reporters, has filled in for her for on the lectern and has also gaggled with reporters touring with Biden on Air Force One. Just lately, she changed Psaki on the final minute for Biden's four-day trip to Europe amid the Russian invasion after Psaki examined optimistic for Covid-19 the day before Biden was scheduled to go away.

Psaki's departure is unsurprising, given she had been public about her plan to leave after one yr on the job. A number of names had been into account to interchange her, together with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who has turn into 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 girls embraced as Psaki went by Jean-Pierre's qualifications and the significance of her taking the job.

"I just want to take the opportunity to have a good time and congratulate my pal, my colleague, my associate in truth, Karine Jean-Pierre, the subsequent White Home press secretary," Psaki informed reporters on the White Home.

She added: "She would be the first black lady, the first out LGBTQ+ person to serve on this role, which is wonderful as a result of illustration issues and he or she is going to, she is going to give a voice to so many and allow and show so many what is really attainable whenever you work onerous, and dream massive and that issues, and ... we should have a good time that."

Psaki also elaborated on Jean-Pierre's career up, describing her as a "exceptional" particular person with "many years of expertise."

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

Close Biden adviser returns to White House

The staffing shakeup within the press workplace comes as the White Home is making several different personnel moves in preparation for a possible Republican takeover on Capitol Hill within the midterm elections. One among Biden's closest advisers, Anita Dunn, will return to the West Wing as a senior adviser, as his team also shores up the White Home counsel's workplace, given Republicans have promised to launch a slew of investigations if they retake the bulk.

Dunn is completely leaving her consulting firm, SKDK, people aware of the matter inform CNN. She will now not be a partner within the firm or listed on the company's web site, individuals familiar with the matter say.

Whereas Dunn not owns a bit of the agency, after it was offered in 2015, her function as a top strategist to Biden, former President Barack Obama and many different elected Democratic officers has given SKDK important prominence in Washington and past. Through the presidential campaign and the primary a number of months of the Biden administration, Dunn took a leave of absence from the agency. But given the brand new role on the White Home, individuals acquainted with the matter say, she is severing ties with the firm.

An official says Dunn will now be a full-time workers member, and -- as with all other full-time staff member -- will sign the ethics pledge, file an OGE 278 and be subject to all White Home ethics and conflict of interest rules, 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.