Behind THE PODIUM

As President Biden's barrier-breaking press secretary leaves the White House, she considers the ups and downs of being a first

- Karine Jean-Pierre

Karine Jean-Pierre, photographed in front of the White House.

THE MOMENT WILL forever be seared in my memory. It was December 1, 2022, at President and Dr. Biden's France state dinner. That evening was the first time the administration felt a dinner was safe to host since the pandemic began. Every centerpiece seemed just a little bit brighter, every conversation a hair lighter. We were nearing the holidays, and the White House was adorned in sweeping ribbons and twinkling lights, making the night glow. My mom turned to me and said, “This is the happiest day of my life.”

She had never met President Biden, and never in her wildest dreams had she envisioned being at a White House state dinner, but I figured now was as good a time as any. All night long, my mom beamed—especially when she met the president, who was beyond gracious and welcoming to her. That evening was the last time I recognized my mother as the woman I grew up with. The immigrant who had worked hard her entire life. The woman who took over every room she was in, who was vibrant and forceful and stubborn and loving. In a matter of weeks, everything changed.

I was 4,000 miles from home when the text woke me up. My sister, Edwine, back in New York: “Mum- my is sick. Call me.” I had flown into Poland the night before. Ukraine was months into war with Russia, and Biden had made a secret trip to Ukraine to visit Volodymyr Zelenskyy.