Karine Jean-Pierre becomes the second Black woman to lead a White House press briefing
White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre just made history. But she's not here to focus on that.
On Wednesday, Jean-Pierre became the first Black woman in 30 years (and only the second ever) to conduct a briefing behind the hallowed White House press podium, Politico reports. She's also the first openly gay spokeswoman to do so. When asked about her landmark appearance, Jean-Pierre replied, "I appreciate the historic nature ... but I believe that being behind this podium ... is not about one person. It's about what we do on behalf of the American people."
She says she's "proud" that President Biden's is the "most diverse administration in history," but again, "this is not about me."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
USA Today reports that Jean-Pierre could be tapped as next year's replacement to Press Secretary Jenn Psaki, who took to Twitter today to share in the excitement. She made sure to note that doing Jean-Pierre "real justice means also recognizing her talent, her brilliance and her wonderful spirit."
A "longtime Democratic political hand," Jean-Pierre was formerly the "top public affairs staffer" for MoveOn.org before signing on to Biden's presidential campaign, NPR reports.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brigid Kennedy worked at The Week from 2021 to 2023 as a staff writer, junior editor and then story editor, with an interest in U.S. politics, the economy and the music industry.
-
Tutankhamun: the mystery of the boy pharaoh's pierced ears
Under the Radar Researchers believe piercings suggest the iconic funerary mask may have been intended for a woman
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Exploring Easter Island, one of the world's most remote inhabited islands
The Week Recommends It takes time and effort to travel to this mystical locale
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
Linda McMahon, the former wrestling mogul tapped for Department of Education
In the Spotlight Longtime Trump ally set for nomination as secretary of the agency despite limited background in the field
By David Faris Published
-
Russia vows retaliation for Ukrainian missile strikes
Speed Read Ukraine's forces have been using U.S.-supplied, long-range ATCMS missiles to hit Russia
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Has the Taliban banned women from speaking?
Today's Big Question 'Rambling' message about 'bizarre' restriction joins series of recent decrees that amount to silencing of Afghanistan's women
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Cuba's energy crisis
The Explainer Already beset by a host of issues, the island nation is struggling with nationwide blackouts
By Rebekah Evans, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's fixation with shamans
Under the Radar Secretive Russian leader, said to be fascinated with occult and pagan rituals, allegedly asked for blessing over nuclear weapons
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Chimpanzees are dying of human diseases
Under the radar Great apes are vulnerable to human pathogens thanks to genetic similarity, increased contact and no immunity
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies hang over Sydney's Mardi Gras
The Explainer Police officer, the former partner of TV presenter victim, charged with two counts of murder after turning himself in
By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published
-
Quiz of The Week: 24 February - 1 March
Puzzles and Quizzes Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Will mounting discontent affect Iran election?
Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published