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Karine Jean-Pierre Delivers Final Press Briefing as White House Press Secretary, Reflects on Legacy and Gratitude

by T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman
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On January 15, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre delivered her final press briefing for the Biden-Harris administration.

Addressing reporters from the White House, Jean-Pierre shared, “Today is the 537th briefing of the Biden-Harris administration. This is my 306th briefing and the final briefing of the administration.”

She expressed gratitude to President Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden for what she described as an “incredible opportunity.” Reflecting on her tenure, she said, standing at this podium, serving the American people and this administration has been the honor of a lifetime. 

“I will be forever grateful to the President for his trust and this amazing opportunity,” she added. 

Jean-Pierre also recalled leading the first briefing of the administration on Inauguration Day, highlighting President Biden’s commitment to daily press briefings and the essential role of the press in sustaining America’s democracy.

“President Biden believed in returning the norm of regular briefings and communicating to all of you and the American people about what we are doing and why it was important,” she added. “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.”

A view of the White House on January 15, 2025. PHOTO: T. Vishnudatta Jayaraman, SAH

She expressed her sincere hope that, while she may be the first to achieve many milestones at this podium and behind this lectern, she will not be the last.

“I hope my presence at this podium has served as inspiration to many young girls out there who look at me and look at this job…” she prided. She underscored that for those with a background similar to hers, she wants them to believe that they too can follow their dreams, never give up, and know that with dedication and passion, no goal is too distant—no matter the obstacles in their path.

Turning her attention to her White House team, she expressed they served “tirelessly, passionately, and with utmost professionalism.” She also acknowledged former Press Secretary Jen Psaki, former Assistant Press Secretary Vedant Patel, and other former colleagues who were present at the briefing.

Expressing her gratitude to her former boss Psaki, she noted “I’m so grateful that you took the time to be here. And so, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your friendship…”

Jean-Pierre also thanked her parents. “Growing up as an immigrant family in New York, they never imagined their daughter would be standing here today. They worked day and night to give me every opportunity possible. I can’t thank them enough,” she said joking “And to my parents, sorry I didn’t become a doctor, but hopefully this is okay.”

Jean-Pierre also shared that her daughter had gone too many nights without her presence, missing out on school drop-offs and the time she usually spends with her. “I can’t wait to spend more time with you. I call her my ‘pudding,’” she said fondly.

When asked if she had any advice for her successor during her 306th briefing, Jean-Pierre recalled being asked a similar question when her successor’s name was announced. “I wish her the best of luck. This is a great job, an amazing opportunity to be standing at this podium, behind this lectern and to speak on behalf of the President of the United States. There’s nothing like it,” she expressed.

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