White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre promoted to senior adviser: Exclusive

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre has been promoted to senior adviser to the president, ABC News has learned.

“Karine has been a trusted advisor to the President and all of us here at the White House since day one. Your advice will be critical to achieving as much as possible for the American people in the coming months,” said Jeff Zients, the president’s chief of staff.

Jean-Pierre made history in 2022 when she was selected as press secretary, becoming the first black woman and the first openly gay person to take on the role.

“Jill and I have known and respected Karine for a long time, and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this administration,” Biden said of Jean-Pierre in a statement in 2022 when he announced her as press secretary.

Jean-Pierre will now stand alongside the president's top confidants such as senior advisers Mike Donilon, Steve Richetti and Bruce Reed. A White House official said her promotion shows the confidence Biden has in her and his commitment to being guided by diverse and cross-generational voices in his decisions.

Jean-Pierre will take up her new role with immediate effect. She will also maintain her duties as press secretary through the end of Biden's term, making her the first press secretary in decades to also hold the title of senior adviser.

The move also shows the increased influence of communications and press relations in the Biden White House. When former senior advisor Anita Dunn left her role, communications director Ben LaBolt was promoted to senior advisor.