How Jen Psaki built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Jen Psaki is an American political analyst and former government official. A Democrat, she served in various roles under the Obama administration, including White House Deputy Press Secretary, White House Deputy Communications Director, State Department Spokesperson, and White House Communications Director. She served as the White House Press Secretary for the Biden administration until May 2022. She also worked as a political contributor for CNN and currently hosts the talk show "Inside with Jen Psaki" on MSNBC.
2001: Start of Political Career
In 2001, Jen Psaki began her career with the re-election campaigns of Iowa Democrats Tom Harkin and Tom Vilsack.
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2004: Deputy Press Secretary for John Kerry
In 2004, Jen Psaki became the deputy press secretary for John Kerry's presidential campaign.
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2005: Communications Director for Joseph Crowley
From 2005, Jen Psaki served as communications director to U.S. representative Joseph Crowley.
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2006: Regional Press Secretary
From 2006, Jen Psaki served as regional press secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
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2008: Traveling Press Secretary for Obama
During the 2008 presidential campaign, Jen Psaki served as the traveling press secretary for Barack Obama.
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December 19, 2009: Promotion to Deputy Communications Director
On December 19, 2009, Jen Psaki was promoted to deputy communications director in the Obama White House.
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2009: White House Appointment
In 2009, Jen Psaki became the White House deputy press secretary and also the White House deputy communications director.
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September 22, 2011: Joins Global Strategy Group
On September 22, 2011, Jen Psaki left her position as deputy communications director to become senior vice president and managing director at Global Strategy Group.
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2011: Departure as Deputy Communications Director
In 2011, Jen Psaki concluded her tenure as the White House deputy communications director.
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2012: Press Secretary for Obama Reelection Campaign
In 2012, Jen Psaki returned to political communications as press secretary for President Obama's reelection campaign.
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February 11, 2013: Appointed State Department Spokesperson
On February 11, 2013, Jen Psaki became the spokesperson for the United States Department of State.
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2013: State Department Spokesperson
In 2013, Jen Psaki became the spokesperson for the United States Department of State.
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May 30, 2014: Announcement of Jay Carney's Replacement
On May 30, 2014, it was announced that Josh Earnest would replace White House press secretary Jay Carney, impacting speculation about Psaki's future role.
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2015: Return to the White House
In 2015, Jen Psaki returned to the White House as communications director and stayed through the end of the Obama administration.
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2015: White House Communications Director
In 2015, Jen Psaki returned to the White House as the communications director, serving through the end of the Obama administration.
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February 7, 2017: Joins CNN as Political Commentator
On February 7, 2017, Jen Psaki began working as a political commentator on CNN.
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2017: Political Contributor for CNN
In 2017, Jen Psaki became a political contributor for CNN.
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November 2020: Joins Biden-Harris Transition Team
In November 2020, Jen Psaki left CNN and joined the Biden-Harris transition team, later being named White House press secretary.
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2020: End of CNN Contribution
In 2020, Jen Psaki's time as a political contributor for CNN came to an end.
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January 20, 2021: First Press Briefing
On January 20, 2021, Jen Psaki held her first press briefing as White House Press Secretary.
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May 2022: Departure from White House
In May 2022, Jen Psaki concluded her tenure as the 34th White House Press Secretary under the Biden administration.
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May 24, 2022: Joins MSNBC as Contributor
On May 24, 2022, MSNBC announced the hiring of Jen Psaki as a contributor.
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February 2023: Announcement of New Program
In February 2023, MSNBC announced that Jen Psaki would host a new Sunday morning program, "Inside with Jen Psaki."
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March 2023: Hosting "Inside with Jen Psaki"
In March 2023, Jen Psaki began hosting the talk show "Inside with Jen Psaki" on MSNBC.
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March 19, 2023: Premiere of "Inside with Jen Psaki"
On March 19, 2023, Jen Psaki's new Sunday morning program, "Inside with Jen Psaki," premiered on MSNBC.
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September 25, 2023: "Inside with Jen Psaki" Takes Over Prime Time Slot
On September 25, 2023, "Inside with Jen Psaki" took over MSNBC's Monday 8 p.m. Eastern prime time slot.
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2024: Potential Appearance During 2024 Presidential Elections
In 2024, MSNBC stated that Jen Psaki would make appearances during its coverage of the 2024 presidential elections.
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