Karine Jean-Pierre to become White Home press secretary, the primary Black and out LGBTQ individual in the role

Jean-Pierre currently serves because the White House's principal deputy press secretary.

"Karine not solely brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this troublesome job, but she will continue to paved the way in communicating in regards to the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American individuals," Biden mentioned in a statement, adding that "Jen Psaki has set the usual for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room."

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

Last Might, Jean-Pierre turned the second Black lady in historical past to hold the day by day press briefing. She has served on the White Home's senior communications team since Biden took workplace and before that was an adviser to his campaign and chief of staff to now-Vice President Kamala Harris.

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

"I'm still processing it because, as Jen mentioned, on the prime it is a historic second and it's not lost on me. I perceive how vital it's for so many individuals on the market. So many alternative communities that I stand on their shoulders," Jean-Pierre stated.

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 great colleague, a buddy, a mentor, during this previous 12 months and a half and I do not suppose I'd be here without so many people, but including her and she or he is just only a true strong, superb particular person," Jean-Pierre mentioned.

Jean-Pierre is conversant in her new role. She is usually within the room when Psaki briefs reporters, has crammed in for her for at the lectern and has additionally gaggled with reporters traveling with Biden on Air Force One. Not too long ago, she replaced Psaki on the last minute for Biden's four-day journey to Europe amid the Russian invasion after Psaki tested positive for Covid-19 the day before Biden was scheduled to depart.

Psaki's departure is unsurprising, given she had been public about her plan to go away after one yr on the job. A number of names had been under consideration to exchange her, together with Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, who has turn into a visual face of the administration in briefings and on cable tv since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

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

"I just want to take the chance to rejoice and congratulate my friend, my colleague, my partner in reality, Karine Jean-Pierre, the subsequent White Home press secretary," Psaki informed reporters at the White Home.

She added: "She would be the first black lady, the first out LGBTQ+ particular person to serve in this function, which is superb 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 truly potential when you work onerous, and dream big and that issues, and ... we should always have fun that."

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

"I just can't wait to see her shine at the podium. So congratulations, and I can not wait to see you carry your individual type, and brilliance, to this job, " Psaki mentioned.

Shut Biden adviser returns to White Home

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

Dunn is permanently leaving her consulting agency, SKDK, people acquainted with the matter inform CNN. She is going to no longer be a companion in the agency or listed on the corporate's website, individuals familiar with the matter say.

Whereas Dunn no longer owns a chunk of the firm, after it was offered in 2015, her role as a prime strategist to Biden, former President Barack Obama and plenty of different elected Democratic officials has given SKDK vital prominence in Washington and beyond. Throughout the presidential marketing campaign and the first several months of the Biden administration, Dunn took a leave of absence from the firm. However given the brand new position on the White Home, folks accustomed to 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 different full-time workers member -- will sign the ethics pledge, file an OGE 278 and be topic to all White House ethics and conflict of curiosity rules, including "rigorous counseling" on her ethics obligations.

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

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