Karine Jean-Pierre is named White House Press Secretary

US President Joe Biden on Thursday selected Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary, to replace Jen Psaki as the top White House spokeswoman, making her the first Black woman to hold one of the most high-profile jobs in American politics.

Jean-Pierre, who worked on Biden’s campaign and has had a long career in Democratic communications, will become the president’s second White House press secretary. In her new role, she will have the high-pressure job of delivering daily briefings from the lectern in the briefing room.

In a statement, Biden said Jean-Pierre “not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris administration on behalf of the American people.”

He predicted that she would be “a strong voice speaking for me and this administration.”

Psaki’s last day as press secretary will be May 13. She is expected to take an on-air role with MSNBC.

“I’m going to cry,” Psaki said on Thursday before turning to the row of seats where Jean-Pierre usually observes the news briefing and waving for her to come to the lectern.

After noting that her successor will be the first Black woman and openly gay person to serve as press secretary, Psaki said that Jean-Pierre “will give a voice to so many.”