In an interview discussing her first year on the job, The Grio, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre described herself as a “historic figure.”
Jean-Pierre, who was billed as a “history maker” because she is the first Black person, gay, and immigrant to fill the role, was asked to reflect on her tenure so far.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever had an image or a view of what it would be like as a historic figure in this role,” Jean-Pierre explained, touting the fact that she has been “the first” many times and it would be “very different” for her than it has been the for the previous “34 press secretaries,” emphasizing “that’s just a fact.”
She added that it was a privilege to be at the podium representing President Biden before pivoting to the importance of her identity.
She expressed that it wasn’t “lost” on her that the communities she represents see her on the podium “and how important it is to them.”
Jean-Pierre added that it was always on her mind “how [she is] representing the Black community, the Caribbean community, the LGBTQ+ community.”
The Press Secretary also praised the Biden administration as “the most pro-equality administration” with the “most advanced LGBTQIA+ equality ever.”
She then referred to herself as a “historic figure,” working for a “historic administration” and was walking in “history every day” because of the Biden administration, citing Britney Griner’s release and Supreme Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation.
The interview included various softball questions about Jean-Pierre’s typical day and her “swag.”
