Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
White House press secretary Jen Psaki will step down from her position on May 13, the White House announced on Thursday.
Karine Jean-Pierre, who worked as President Joe Biden's deputy press secretary, has been promoted to press secretary and will replace Psaki next week.
"Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room. I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so," Biden said in a statement. "I thank Jen her service to the country, and wish her the very best as she moves forward."
Psaki marked the occassion in a series of tweets on Thursday, extending her gratitude to the president and the first lady, and celebrating Jean-Pierre, noting that she will make history as the first Black and openly gay White House press secretary.
"She is passionate. She is smart and she has a moral core that makes her not just a great colleague, but an amazing Mom and human," Psaki said of her successor. "Plus, she has a great sense of humor."
"I can't wait to see her shine as she brings her own style, brilliance and grace to the podium," Psaki added.
Psaki's departure is not a surprise. She previously signaled that she intended to have the top post for around a year before leaving to spend more time with her two young children. She's held the position since Biden took office in January 2021.
"I don't want to miss moments," she said in a CNN interview last May, when she revealed her plans to eventually step down. "It's a great job. It will be hard, but I also never thought I'd be here, and I also love my kids a lot."
Over the past year, Psaki has became a closely watched and highly praised figure among Biden supporters who often commend her for her composure and handling of press briefings after a tumultuous four years under Trump.
This story is developing. Please check back for updates.
