Karine Jean-Pierre is a prominent figure in American politics, serving as the White House Press Secretary since May 13, 2022. Her appointment marked a historic moment as she became the first black person and the first openly LGBT person to hold the position. Prior to her current role, Jean-Pierre served as the deputy press secretary under Jen Psaki and as the chief of staff for Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign.
Karine Jean-Pierre was born on August 13, 1974.
Prior to Karine Jean-Pierre's briefing in 2021, the last time a Black woman had given a White House press briefing was in 1991.
Karine Jean-Pierre graduated from Kellenberg Memorial High School in 1993.
Karine Jean-Pierre earned her bachelor's degree from the New York Institute of Technology in 1997.
During the fall semester of 2001, Karine Jean-Pierre was a student in Ester Fuchs's class at Columbia University.
In 2003, Karine Jean-Pierre received her Master of Public Affairs from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
Karine Jean-Pierre served as the southeast regional political director for John Edwards' presidential campaign in 2004.
In 2006, Karine Jean-Pierre began working as the outreach coordinator for Walmart Watch in Washington, D.C.
Karine Jean-Pierre played a significant role in Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign as the southeast regional political director. Subsequently, she served as the regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs during Obama's first term.
Karine Jean-Pierre took on the role of National Deputy Battleground States Director for President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign in 2011.
Throughout 2012, Karine Jean-Pierre managed political engagement, delegate selection, and ballot access processes in key states for President Obama's re-election campaign.
In 2014, Karine Jean-Pierre returned to Columbia University, this time as a lecturer in international and public affairs.
In April 2016, Karine Jean-Pierre was appointed as a senior advisor and national spokesperson for MoveOn during the 2016 presidential election.
Karine Jean-Pierre served as the deputy campaign manager for Martin O'Malley's 2016 presidential campaign.
Karine Jean-Pierre was named one of six "Haitian Newsmakers Of The Year" by The Haitian Times in December 2018.
In January 2019, Karine Jean-Pierre transitioned into a role as a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.
Karine Jean-Pierre's book, "Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America," was published in 2019, combining personal reflections with a call to political action.
Karine Jean-Pierre joined Joe Biden's 2020 presidential campaign as a senior advisor in May 2020.
On November 29, 2020, Karine Jean-Pierre was chosen to serve as the Principal Deputy Press Secretary for the Biden-Harris transition team.
Karine Jean-Pierre served as the chief of staff for Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential campaign.
Prior to 2020, Karine Jean-Pierre held prominent positions such as senior advisor and national spokeswoman for MoveOn.org, political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC, and a lecturer at Columbia University.
Karine Jean-Pierre became the first openly LGBTQ person and the first Black woman since 1991 to give a White House press briefing on May 26, 2021.
From 2021 to 2022, Karine Jean-Pierre served as the deputy press secretary to Jen Psaki during the Biden-Harris administration.
Karine Jean-Pierre was honored with the Great Immigrants Award from the Carnegie Corporation of New York in 2021.
It was announced on May 5, 2022, that Karine Jean-Pierre would succeed Jen Psaki as the White House Press Secretary.
On May 13, 2022, Karine Jean-Pierre made history by becoming the first black person and the first openly LGBT person to serve as the White House press secretary.
During 2022, Karine Jean-Pierre faced criticism for frequently referring to "MAGA Republicans" during briefings, with some alleging it was a violation of the Hatch Act.
The Office of Special Counsel issued a warning to Karine Jean-Pierre in June 2023 for violating the Hatch Act during briefings before the 2022 midterm elections.
Karine Jean-Pierre's relationship with former CNN correspondent Suzanne Malveaux ended in September 2023.
The Office of Special Counsel issued a second warning to Karine Jean-Pierre in October 2023 for using the term "MAGA" in her official capacity, which they considered a violation of the Hatch Act.
Karine Jean-Pierre declined an offer to become the president of EMILY's List, an abortion advocacy group, in December 2023.
Starting in early 2023, National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby began joining Karine Jean-Pierre in press briefings, often fielding questions beyond his area of expertise and leading to tension.