Karine Jean-Pierre has a new gig.
The White House press secretary has been elevated to the position of senior adviser to the president according to ABC News. Effective immediately, Jean-Pierre will assume her new responsibilities.
Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff, stated, “Karine has been a trusted advisor to the President and all of us here at the White House since day one. Her counsel will be critical to get as much done as possible for the American people in the coming months.”
Jean-Pierre will join the inner circle of the president’s trusted aides, such as senior advisers Mike Donilon, Steve Richetti, and Bruce Reed. According to a White House official, her promotion reflects Joe Biden’s confidence in her abilities and his dedication to incorporating diverse, inter-generational perspectives in his decision-making.
According to ABC, she will continue to serve as press secretary until the end of Biden’s term, making her the first in many years to hold both the press secretary and senior adviser titles concurrently. The promotion follows the previous promotion of Ben LaBolt, who succeeded Anita Dunn as senior adviser after serving as Communications Director.
The New York Post reported in April 2024 that senior aides in President Biden’s administration attempted to replace Jean-Pierre as White House Press Secretary. The effort, led by senior adviser Anita Dunn and supported by Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, reportedly aimed to have prominent Democrats persuade Jean-Pierre to step down. The reason cited was her reliance on scripted answers, which some viewed as ineffective in promoting Biden’s re-election campaign.
Despite the push, Jean-Pierre refused to leave, committing to stay in her position. The administration has publicly denied the claims, stating Jean-Pierre is well-prepared and capable. Nonetheless, tensions have been reported within the press team, particularly between Jean-Pierre and National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who often co-hosts briefings with her.
Jean-Pierre graduated from the New York Institute of Technology and later earned a Master of Public Affairs from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs. Her early career was characterized by advocacy and grassroots organizing, with significant roles in campaigns advocating for workers’ rights and social justice. Her entrance into national politics was as the regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs during the Obama administration. She also served on both of President Barack Obama’s campaigns in 2008 and 2012.
In addition to her roles in government, Jean-Pierre has been an advocate for issues such as LGBTQ rights. Her work has not only been limited to politics; she has also been a commentator and lecturer, contributing to discussions on political affairs on national media and teaching at Columbia University. Before her appointment as the White House Press Secretary, she was Chief of Staff to Kamala Harris during her 2020 vice presidential campaign. In May of 2021, Jean-Pierre became the first Black woman and openly gay person to hold the position of White House Press Secretary.
