Jen Psaki facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jen Psaki
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Psaki in 2021
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| 34th White House Press Secretary | |
| In office January 20, 2021 – May 13, 2022 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Deputy | Karine Jean-Pierre (Principal Deputy) |
| Preceded by | Kayleigh McEnany |
| Succeeded by | Karine Jean-Pierre |
| White House Communications Director | |
| In office April 1, 2015 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Jennifer Palmieri |
| Succeeded by | Sean Spicer |
| 23rd Spokesperson for the United States Department of State | |
| In office April 5, 2013 – March 31, 2015 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Deputy | Marie Harf |
| Preceded by | Victoria Nuland |
| Succeeded by | Marie Harf |
| White House Deputy Communications Director | |
| In office December 19, 2009 – September 22, 2011 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | Daniel Pfeiffer |
| Succeeded by | Jennifer Palmieri |
| White House Deputy Press Secretary | |
| In office January 20, 2009 – December 19, 2009 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Leader | Robert Gibbs |
| Preceded by | Tony Fratto |
| Succeeded by | Bill Burton |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Jennifer Rene Psaki
December 1, 1978 New York City, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Gregory Mecher
(m. 2010) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | College of William & Mary (BA) |
Jennifer "Jen" Rene Psaki (born December 1, 1978) is an American political expert and former government official. She is known for her work as the 34th White House Press Secretary for President Joe Biden. This important job means she was the main spokesperson for the President and his team. She explained what the President was doing and answered questions from reporters.
Before working for President Biden, Jen Psaki also held several key roles during the Obama administration. She was a political writer for CNN and now hosts a TV show called Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Jen Psaki was born in New York City in 1978. She was the oldest of three daughters. Her mother, Eileen, was a psychotherapist (someone who helps people with their thoughts and feelings). Her father, Dimitrios, was a retired real estate developer (someone who builds and sells properties). Her family has roots in Greece and Ireland.
Psaki grew up in Stamford, Connecticut. She went to Greenwich High School and finished in 1996. After high school, she went to the College of William & Mary. In 2000, she earned a degree in English and sociology (the study of how people live in groups). While in college, she was part of the Chi Omega sorority and was its president. She also swam competitively for the college's team for two years.
Career in Politics and Media
Starting Her Career
Jen Psaki started her career in politics in 2001. She worked on election campaigns for politicians in Iowa. Later, she became a deputy press secretary for John Kerry during his 2004 presidential campaign. A press secretary helps share information with the media. From 2005 to 2006, she worked as a communications director for a U.S. representative. A communications director helps manage how a person or group talks to the public.
Working for President Obama
During Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign, Psaki was his traveling press secretary. This meant she traveled with him and helped reporters get information. After Obama won the election, she joined him at the White House. She became a deputy press secretary. Later, she was promoted to deputy communications director.
In 2011, Psaki left the White House for a short time. She worked at a public relations firm. A public relations firm helps companies or people manage their public image. But in 2012, she returned to help President Obama with his re-election campaign.
In 2013, Psaki became the spokesperson for the United States Department of State. This job meant she spoke for the U.S. government on international matters. In 2015, she returned to the White House again. She became the communications director and stayed until President Obama's time in office ended in 2017.
After leaving the Obama administration, Psaki started working as a political commentator for CNN. She shared her opinions and insights on political news.
White House Press Secretary for President Biden
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In November 2020, Jen Psaki left CNN. She joined the team helping Joe Biden prepare to become president. Soon after, she was chosen to be the White House Press Secretary for the Biden administration. This was a very important job.
She held her first press conference on January 20, 2021, the day President Biden took office. In this role, she spoke to reporters almost every day. She explained the President's plans and answered many questions. In May 2022, she announced she would be leaving the role. Her main deputy, Karine Jean-Pierre, took over the job.
Later Career in Media
After leaving the White House, Jen Psaki joined MSNBC in May 2022. She became a contributor, meaning she appeared on their shows to talk about politics. She also started developing her own show.
In February 2023, MSNBC announced that Psaki would host a new Sunday morning show. It is called Inside with Jen Psaki. The show started in March 2023 and talks about important public policy issues. Later in 2023, her show also began airing on Monday evenings.
In May 2024, Psaki released a book titled Say More: Lessons from Work, the White House, and the World. The book shares her experiences working in government. It also gives advice on how to communicate well. The book quickly became a bestseller.
Psaki continues to share her thoughts on current events. She has spoken about the 2024 presidential election. In July 2024, she supported Kamala Harris for president.
Personal Life
On May 8, 2010, Jen Psaki married Greg Mecher. He worked as a chief of staff for members of Congress. They met in 2006. Jen and Greg have two children together.
See also
In Spanish: Jen Psaki para niños
