WH Press Sec. Jen Psaki reveals why it’s always been the plan to eventually step down

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki made news Thursday when she revealed that she plans on stepping down in the next year or so, and on CNN Tonight With Don Lemon, she explained why. Psaki said it’s always been the plan not to stay for the duration of Biden’s presidency, and she has two very good reasons for that.

“This was something I told colleagues and friends, and in my discussions with the amazing people in the Biden orbit, was part of the discussion early on. I'm so honored to serve this president, and at this moment in history to be a small part of rebuilding trust in government,” Psaki said. “But I also have two little kids who are preschoolers, and I know a lot of moms who watch your show who understand that. I don't want to miss a lot of moments.”

Video Transcript

JEN PSAKI: This was something I've told colleagues, and friends, and in my discussions with the amazing people in the Biden orbit. It was part of the discussion early on.

KYLIE MAR: White House press secretary Jen Psaki appeared on "CNN Tonight with Don Lemon" Thursday after making headlines earlier in the day by revealing she plans to step down in the next year or so, and she has two very good reasons.

JEN PSAKI: I also have two little kids who are preschoolers. And I know a lot of moms who watch your show understand that I don't want to miss a lot of moments. And I've also had the honor of serving not just this president, but a president in the past.

KYLIE MAR: Psaki has been incredibly popular with the White House press corps, and has some fans among the American people as well. Upon hearing the news, one person tweeted, "Jen Psaki is the closest we've ever had to 'The West Wing's' CJ Gregg so I am bummed," while another simply wrote, "Aw, bummer!" But Psaki made it clear that when she feels it's time to go, she'll go.

JEN PSAKI: I think at a certain point it's time to have other people serve in these jobs and roles, and have my-- this front seat to history. And I'm hopeful that part of what I can do in this job is help-- help build that up, and help give people opportunity, and lift up some new voices and faces.