Photo: Getty Images
Karine Jean-Pierre has officially capped off her historic run as the White House press secretary.
On Wednesday (January 15), Jean-Pierre held her 306th and final press briefing ahead of President Joe Biden leaving office on Monday (January 20).
Jean-Pierre got emotional as she delivered her goodbyes and reflected on her historic time as the White House press secretary. She noted how Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris started their administration by holding its first briefing on Inauguration Day, underscoring the importance of a free press.
“President Joe Biden wanted to make clear the importance of daily press briefings and the vital role that the press plays in our democracy,” Jean-Pierre said Wednesday. “The president and all of us in this administration understand that a free press is a cornerstone of our nation and that the job you do, questioning leaders and holding the powerful accountable, is important.”
Jean-Pierre acknowledged how she made history as the first Black American and openly LGBTQ+ person to serve as White House press secretary.
“It is my sincere hope that … while I may be the first for many things at this podium, behind this lectern, I am not the last. I hope my presence at this podium has served as inspiration to many young girls out there … who look at me," she said. “Hopefully, they can … know that you can achieve great things if you put your heart and mind and be passionate about it, no matter how many barriers you may need to overcome.”
The press secretary got emotional as she thanked her young daughter, who she said has “gone too many nights without me."
“I can’t wait to spend more time with you,” Jean-Pierre said, addressing her daughter.
The spokeswoman also issued a thank you to Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.
“Standing at this podium, behind this lectern … serving the American people and this administration has been an honor of a lifetime, and I will be forever grateful to the president for his trust and this amazing opportunity,” Jean-Pierre said Wednesday.
During her final briefing, Jean-Pierre acknowledged how her time as press secretary and Biden's administration would end on Monday's commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“Progress is not always a straight line, but we all must do our part, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. … to bend it towards justice and pay it forward.”
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