Biden’s New Press Secretary Notes All ‘Firsts’ at Briefing

Karine Jean-Pierre is Black, gay and an immigrant, she notes
Jean-Pierre holds first briefing after succeeding Jen Psaki

Karine Jean-Pierre during a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room in Washington, D.C., on May 16.Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg

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By Kathleen Hunter and Jenny Leonard

May 16, 2022 at 8:14 PM UTC

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Karine Jean-Pierre held her first briefing as White House press secretary on Monday, observing that her ascension to the role of President Joe Biden’s chief spokesperson broke race and sexual-orientation barriers.

“I am obviously acutely aware that my presence at this podium represents a few firsts,” Jean-Pierre told reporters. “I am a Black gay immigrant woman, the first of all three of those to hold this position.”