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Karine Jean-Pierre Makes History At White House Briefing

Jean-Pierre is the White House principal deputy press secretary.
Posted at 9:51 PM, May 26, 2021
and last updated 2021-05-26 21:51:12-04

Karine Jean-Pierre made history Wednesday becoming the first openly gay woman and the first Black woman in 30 years to deliver a White House press briefing. She's only the second Black woman to ever take on the role. 

Jean-Pierre is the White House principal deputy press secretary. She's briefed reporters aboard Air Force One before, but Wednesday was the first time she did a televised briefing. 

A reporter asked Jean-Pierre what the moment meant for her and she said it was an honor. 

"I appreciate the historic nature, I really do," Jean-Pierre said. "But I believe that, you know, being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building is not about one person. It's about, you know, what we do on behalf of the American people. Clearly, the president believes in representation matters, and I appreciate him giving me this opportunity. And it's another reason why I think we are so proud that this is the most diverse administration in history."

Additional reporting by The Associated Press.