Karine Jean-Pierre, the first Black and openly LGBTQ+ White House press secretary, delivered an emotional farewell during the final press briefing of the Biden-Harris administration.
Marking her 306th briefing, Jean-Pierre reflected on her historic tenure and the role of a free press in democracy.
Standing at the James Brady Press Briefing Room podium one last time, Jean-Pierre, 50, fought back tears as she addressed reporters. She highlighted the administration’s commitment to transparency, noting that the Biden-Harris team began their term with a press briefing on Inauguration Day to underscore the importance of press freedom—a stark contrast to the previous administration’s adversarial relationship with the media.
“President Joe Biden wanted to make clear the importance of daily press briefings and the vital role the press plays in our democracy,” Jean-Pierre remarked. “The job you do—questioning leaders and holding the powerful accountable—is vital to our nation.”
Her tenure broke barriers as she became the first Black American, first openly LGBTQ+ individual, and the first immigrant to serve as White House press secretary. Reflecting on the weight of her groundbreaking role, she expressed hope that her presence at the podium would inspire future generations.
“It is my sincere hope that while I may be the first for many things at this podium, I am not the last,” she said. “I hope my journey has served as inspiration to many young girls out there who see themselves in me.”
Jean-Pierre’s tenure spanned over two years, during which she navigated pivotal moments, from navigating pandemic-related updates to addressing critical global and domestic issues. Her leadership symbolized progress and representation in a role historically dominated by a narrower demographic.
As President Joe Biden prepares to leave office on January 20, Jean-Pierre’s contributions remain a cornerstone of an administration that prioritized press freedom and inclusivity. Her legacy, etched in White House history, serves as a testament to resilience, representation, and the enduring value of a free press in democracy.
