Karine Jean-Pierre
Principal Deputy White House Press Secretary
Karine Jean-Pierre was born in August 1977 in Font-de-France, Martinique, France. She grew up in Queens, New York City. She earned an undergraduate degree from the New York Institute of Technology and received a Master of Public Administration from the School of International and Public Affairs, Columbia University.
She worked for the City of New York as the director of legislative and budget affairs and was later hired to be outreach coordinator of an activist group in Washington, D.C. She was part of the faculty at Columbia University serving as a lecturer in international and public affairs.
During President Obama’s administration, she served as the regional political director for the White House Office of Political Affairs. Afterward, she returned to the private sector, becoming a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC.
In November 2020, the Biden-Harris team announced that Jean-Pierre would be the Principal Deputy Press Secretary for the White House.
She lives with her partner, Suzanne Malveaux, and their daughter. She is fluent in French, English, and Haitian Creole.
In the News…
At a press briefing last week, the White House backpedaled on President Biden’s doubts about potential payouts of $450,000 per person for immigrant families separated at the southern border during the Trump-era zero-tolerance policy.
The president had said the six-figure amount was “not going to happen,” and he appeared taken back by the information when asked by a press member.
Karine Jean-Pierre, the principal deputy press secretary for the White House, clarified that position in a press conference by saying the president was “perfectly comfortable” compensating the families.
“If it saves taxpayer dollars and puts the disastrous history of the previous administration’s use of zero tolerance and family separation behind us, the president is perfectly comfortable with the Department of Justice settling with the individuals and families currently in litigation with the federal government.”
Jean-Pierre added that the Justice Department had communicated to those involved in the negotiations that “the reported figures are higher than anywhere that a settlement can land.” She referred reporters to the department for further details.
Contact this Leader…
Did you pray for Ms. Jean-Pierre today? You can let her know at:
Deputy Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20500
