White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has a new job — she has been promoted to senior adviser to the president, according to an ABC News report.
The stunning career shift for Jean-Pierre comes just days after she received received backlash for lying that FEMA resources were going to illegal immigrants instead of American citizens.
“I mean, it’s just categorically false. It is not true. It is a false statement,” she said after being told that former President Donald Trump accused the Biden administration of supporting illegal immigrants using FEMA.
However, during a Sept. 16, 2022 press conference she was asked about assisting cities in handling the busloads of migrants being sent across the country from Texas.
“FEMA Regional Administrators have been meeting with city officials on site to coordinate — to coordinate available federal support from FEMA and other federal agencies,” Jean-Pierre told reporters at the time.
“Funding is also available through FEMA’s Emergency Food and Shelter program to eligible local governments and not-for-profit organizations upon request to support humanitarian relief for migrants,” she added.
She just straight up lied yesterday.
Could someone get Glenn Kessler on the phone? pic.twitter.com/Z17AF6COZG
— Bonchie (@bonchieredstate) October 5, 2024
She will quickly pivot into her new role after becoming one of President Joe Biden’s closest political allies.
Jean-Pierre will begin her new role effective immediately, but she’s not stepping away from the public spotlight either.
As of now, Jean-Pierre will also reportedly maintain her press secretary duties, while also being the first press secretary in decades to also hold the title of senior adviser.
“Karine has been a trusted advisor to the President and all of us here at the White House since day one. Her counsel will be critical to get as much done as possible for the American people in the coming months,” said Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff.
Jean-Pierre made history in 2022 when she was tapped to become the press secretary, becoming the first Black woman and the first openly gay person to take on the role.
“Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration,” Biden said of Jean-Pierre in a 2022 statement when he announced her as press secretary.
Jean-Pierre will now be alongside the ranks of the president’s top confidantes like senior advisers Mike Donilon, Steve Richetti and Bruce Reed.
A White House official said that her promotion shows the faith that Biden has in her.
The move also shows the increased influence of the communications and press operations in the Biden White House. When former senior adviser Anita Dunn left her role, Communications Director Ben LaBolt was promoted to senior adviser.
As of this report, Vice President Kamala Harris, has not commented on Jean-Pierre’s move, nor was information available if she would retain her new role should Harris be elected president in November.