But the sense of history being made was not lost on members of the White House press team or reporters attending a news briefing on Thursday that displayed both celebrations of representation and the polarizing issues dividing the country. The briefing shifted among emotional tributes, a presentation of seized Russian yachts, inspiring messages and shouted questions about Mr. Biden’s stance on abortion.
Asked about the historic nature of her promotion, Ms. Jean-Pierre responded, “It’s not lost on me.”
“I understand how important it is for so many people out there, so many different communities,” she said. “That I stand on their shoulders, and I have been throughout my career.”
Ms. Jean-Pierre said she thought it was important for young Black children to see someone who looks like them behind the presidential lectern.
“Follow your passion, follow what you believe in and just keep that focus,” she said.
Mr. Biden called Ms. Jean-Pierre into the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon to formally offer her the position, according to a White House official. The press team celebrated by drinking warm champagne in Styrofoam cups bearing the presidential seal, the official said.
Before stepping down from the lectern, Ms. Jean-Pierre was asked if she ever doubted that she would be able to attain the position of press secretary as a Black woman.
“No, not at all,” she said. “Just worked hard towards it. But I understand how hard it is. I do.”