Jen Psaki holds final briefing as White House press secretary

Spokeswoman honours the Bidens, media and press department in final exchange with reporters

Jen Psaki paid tribute to US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden, as well as the press department and members of the media in her last press briefing as White House spokeswoman on Friday.

Ms Psaki said one of her first conversations with Mr Biden after his presidential victory in November 2020 focused on “the importance of returning integrity, respect and civility to the White House”.

Ms Psaki pledged to resume daily White House briefings when accepting the job 15 months ago after the daily routine became an increasing rarity under former president Donald Trump's administration.

Friday's briefing was Ms Psaki's 224th during her time as White House spokeswoman, surpassing the total 205 conducted by the four press secretaries under the Trump administration, said Martha Joynt Kumar, director of the White House Transition Project.

The press secretary, who admitted she let out her “Irish side” at times during her 15-month stint, thanked reporters for holding the Biden administration accountable and for holding debates with her at the podium.

Ms Psaki's skirmishes with Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy occasionally grew contentious and videos of their exchanges often racked millions of views on social media.

“That is democracy in action,” she told reporters. “Without accountability, without debate, government is not as strong and you all play an incredibly pivotal role.”

Karinne Jean-Pierre was named as Ms Psaki's successor and will be the first black woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community to hold the position.

Ms Psaki said the incoming press secretary will “bring her own magic, her brilliance, her style to this briefing room”.

The departing press secretary also paid tribute to the rest of the White House press team, fighting back against beliefs that the nation's capital is “rotten”.

“I believe the opposite is true,” she said, holding back tears. “Because I have worked with and engaged with all of these incredible people across the administration and this amazing team.

“These people are already the stars of the team, but they're going to be shining stars in the future and I'll miss them a lot.”

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  White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds her own with a tough press corp. AP

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  Ms Psaki was known for her banter with reporters. AP

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  Ms Psaki introduces Olivia Rodrigo when President Biden and Dr Anthony Fauci hosted the pop star to make the case that vaccines are 'Good 4 U,'' the title of one of her hit songs. Bloomberg

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  Ms Psaki hosts Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in the press room. Reuters

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  Ms Psaki throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the game between the Washington Nationals and the San Diego Padres at Nationals Park. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

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  Ms Psaki gets a high-five from Washington Nationals relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan. Photo: USA TODAY Sports

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  'It is horrifying to see the type of barbaric use of military force to go after innocent civilians in a sovereign country,' Ms Psaki said about Russia's invasion of Ukraine. EPA

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  Ms Psaki often used visual aids in an attempt to simplify Covid-19 statistics. AP

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  Ms Psaki tested positive for coronavirus in March 2022. AP

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  Ms Psaki at the White House as US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the crisis in Afghanistan. Reuters

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  Ms Psaki watches as US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan takes part in a news briefing about the situation in Afghanistan. Reuters

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  Ms Psaki speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. AP

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  'Storming the Capitol in an attempt to hold the peaceful transition of power is not legitimate political discourse, neither is attacking and injuring over 140 police officers, smashing windows and defiling offices,' Ms Psaki replied when asked about the January 6 Capitol riot. Reuters

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  Ms Psaki said that she is looking forward to more time with her children. AFP

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  Ms Psaki holds a press briefing. Reuters

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  Karine Jean-Pierre, principal deputy press secretary, and Ms Psaki. Bloomberg

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  The passing of the torch. EPA