In a recent interview discussing her first year as White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre acknowledged herself as a “historic figure.” The conversation, held with The Grio, highlighted her groundbreaking achievements as the first Black person, gay person, and immigrant to hold the position.
When reflecting on her tenure, Jean-Pierre admitted that she had never envisioned herself as a historic figure in this role, as it is impossible to predict such things. However, she emphasized the distinctiveness of her experience as the first, stating that it would be different for her compared to the previous 34 press secretaries.
While recognizing the privilege of representing President Biden at the podium, Jean-Pierre redirected the focus to the significance of her identities. She expressed her deep awareness of the communities she represents and the importance of how she is perceived by these communities when she speaks from the podium. Understanding the weight of responsibility, she emphasized the need to effectively represent the Black community, the Caribbean community, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Jean-Pierre praised the Biden administration for its commitment to equality, calling it the most “pro equality administration” and the leader in advancing LGBTQIA+ equality.
When asked about her proudest moment since assuming the role, Jean-Pierre once again referred to herself as a historic figure. This served as a preface to sharing her response to the question.
“I’m a historic figure." – @PressSec pic.twitter.com/808x7gQ3nr
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 18, 2023
“I am part of a historic administration. I consider myself to be an historic figure, and I am aware of the historical significance of my role every single day. This administration, led by President [name], is making history,” stated Jean-Pierre.
She mentioned a couple of moments that stood out to her while serving on the White House press team, such as the release of Brittney Griner and the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as a Supreme Court justice.
During the interview, the website, known for its left-leaning perspective, asked Jean-Pierre various easy questions, including inquiries about her daily routine. The interviewers also praised her confidence and style in the job. Jean-Pierre claimed that she avoids reading stories about herself.
“I am passionate about my job. I recognize that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it is a critical moment in our history—an unprecedented time. I fully understand the magnitude of this opportunity,” she expressed.
