Jen Psaki Biography
Jen Psaki, born Jennifer Rene Psaki on December 1, 1978, is a renowned American political advisor, serving as the 34th and current White House press secretary. She is a member of the Democratic Party and previously worked in the Obama administration as the White House deputy press secretary in 2009.
On 5th May 2022, President Joe Biden announced that White House Press Secretary Jen will leave the administration on May 14, to be replaced by her deputy, Karine Jean Pierre. Biden made the decision to appoint her on Thursday afternoon, calling her into the Oval around 2.30 p.m. The two had a deep conversation where he offered her the post and she accepted it.
“Karine not only brings the experience, talent and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people. Jill and I have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration,” he said in a statement released by the White House.”
“Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect, and decorum to the White House Briefing Room. I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humor while doing so. I thank Jen for her service to the country and wish her the very best as she moves forward.”
Career
From 2009 to 2011, she served as the White House’s deputy communications director. Moreover, from 2013 to 2015, Psaki served as the spokesperson for the United States Department of State. Jen was also the White House communications director from 2015 to 2017. Additionally, Jen worked as a political contributor for CNN from 2017 to 2020.
Psaki kicked off her career in 2001 with the re-election campaigns of Tom Vilsack for governor and Iowa Democrat Tom Harkin for the U.S. Senate. She then became John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign deputy press secretary. In addition, Psaki worked as communications director to U.S. representative Joseph Crowley as well as the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee regional press secretary.
Jen served as traveling press secretary for U.S. Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008. She followed Obama to the White House as Deputy Press Secretary after his electoral win and was appointed Deputy Communications Director on December 19, 2009. Jen left her role on September 22, 2011, to become senior vice president and managing director in the Washington, D.C., office of public relations firm Global Strategy Group.
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Furthermore, Jen returned to political communications in 2012, serving as press secretary for President Obama’s reelection campaign. She became the United States Department of State’s spokesperson on February 11, 2013. Her employment at the State Department fuelled rumors that she would succeed White House Press Secretary Jay Carney after he departed the White House.
However, on May 30, 2014, it was confirmed that Josh Earnest would replace Carney. Psaki returned to the White House in 2015 as communications director, where she remained until the end of the Obama administration. Additionally, on February 7, 2017, Jen started working as a CNN political commentator.
Furthermore, Jen departed CNN in November 2020 to join the Biden-Harris transition team. She was named White House press secretary for the Biden administration later that month. After the inauguration, she conducted her first press briefing on the evening of January 20.
In an interview with a former senior advisor to President David Axelrod on May 6, 2021, Jen stated that she would leave her role as press secretary “in about a year from now.” Also, a watchdog group accused her of breaking the Hatch Act of 1939 in October 2021 for her statements on the 2021 Virginia governor’s election.
Psaki stated on November 2, 2021, that she had tested positive for COVID-19. She returned to work on November 12, 2021, after fully recuperating and praising her vaccination status for her uncomplicated recovery.
Jen Psaki Age
How old is Jen? Jen is 44 years old as of 2022. She was born Jennifer Rene Psaki on December 1, 1978, in Stamford, Connecticut, in the United States of America. In addition, she celebrates her birthday on the 1st of December every year, and her zodiac sign is Saggitarius.
Moreover, her nationality is American and she is of Irish–Greek descent.
Jen Psaki Family
Jen was born to her father, James R. Psaki, a retired real estate developer, and her mother, Eileen D. Medvey, a psychotherapist. She is the eldest of three daughters. His grandmother was of Irish descent, and her grandfather had relocated from Greece in 1904. Jen’s parents tied the knot in 1976, and she also has Polish ancestry.
Regarding her schooling, Jen attended Greenwich High School and graduated in 1996. Later on, she joined the College of William & Mary, where she received a degree in English and sociology in 2000. Moreover, she is an active member of the Chi Omega sorority. While at college, Jen was a competitive backstroke swimmer for two years for the William & Tribe athletic team.
Jen Psaki Husband
Is Jen married? Yes, Jen is blissfully married to her husband, Greg Mecher, a deputy finance director. Greg was then chief of staff to Congressman Steve Driehaus. He later worked as Congressman Joe Kennedy’s chief of staff. The duo met at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2006.
The pair tied the knot in May 2010 at Woodlawn Farm in Ridge. They have two children together. One of the children is a daughter named Genevieve Mecher.
Jen Psaki Height
Psaki stands approximately at a height of 5 feet 5 inches (1.64 m) tall and weighs around 59 kg (130 lb). Her body measurements are 35-25-35 inches. In addition, she has brown eyes and her hair is brunette in color.
Jen Psaki Salary
As the White House press secretary, Psaki receives an average annual salary of $183,000.
Jen Psaki Net Worth
How much is Jen worth? Jen has an estimated net worth of $27 million. Her fortune stems from her successful career as a political advisor and press secretary.