50 Facts About Jen Psaki

Early Life and Education

Jen Psaki's journey began in New York City, but her upbringing and education played a crucial role in shaping her future.

1. Jen Psaki was born Jennifer Rene Psaki on December 1, 1978, in New York City.
2. Her parents are psychotherapist Eileen (née Dolan) Medvey and retired real estate developer Dimitrios "James" R. Psaki.
3. Psaki’s paternal grandparents were Raoul Psaki and Mary Keane, while her maternal grandparents were Sylvester J. Dailey and Genevieve Lambert.
4. Psaki’s parents married in 1976 and later separated.
5. Her paternal grandfather, Raoul Psaki, served as a combat medic during World War II and the Korean War.
6. Her maternal grandmother, Genevieve Lambert, passed away in 2002.
7. Psaki grew up in Stamford, Connecticut, and graduated from Greenwich High School in 1996.
8. She attended the College of William & Mary, earning a B.A. in English and sociology in 2000.
9. At William & Mary, she was a competitive backstroke swimmer for the William & Mary Tribe athletic team for two years.
10. Psaki was a member of the Chi Omega sorority and served as chapter president.

Early Career and Political Beginnings

Psaki's early career saw her diving into political campaigns and gaining valuable experience.

11. After college, Psaki began her career in 2001 with the re-election campaigns of Iowa Democrats Tom Harkin for the U.S. Senate and Tom Vilsack for governor.
12. In 2004, Psaki served as deputy press secretary for John Kerry's presidential campaign.
13. She also worked as a spokesperson for Kerry's wife and children, as well as his running mate, John Edwards.
14. From 2005 to 2006, Psaki served as communications director to U.S. Representative Joseph Crowley and regional press secretary for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC).

Obama Administration and State Department

Psaki's roles in the Obama administration and the State Department solidified her reputation as a skilled communicator.

15. In 2008, Psaki joined Barack Obama's presidential campaign early on as a deputy press secretary.
16. She was quickly promoted to traveling press secretary, becoming Obama's main spokeswoman on the road.
17. After Obama's victory in 2008, Psaki joined the White House as deputy assistant to the president and then deputy communications director until 2011.
18. In 2013, Psaki became the spokesperson for the United States Department of State.
19. Her hiring at the Department of State fueled speculation that she would replace White House press secretary Jay Carney, but Josh Earnest ultimately took over that role.
20. In 2015, Psaki returned to the White House as communications director and stayed through the end of the Obama administration.

Transition to Media and CNN

Psaki's transition to media allowed her to share her insights and expertise with a broader audience.

21. On February 7, 2017, Psaki began working as a political commentator on CNN.
22. She remained a CNN contributor until 2020.

White House Press Secretary

Psaki's role as White House press secretary under President Biden was marked by professionalism and transparency.

23. On January 20, 2021, Psaki was selected as the 34th White House press secretary by President-elect Joe Biden.
24. She served in this role until May 2022.
25. During her tenure, Psaki held 222 briefings in less than 16 months, more than all the Trump press secretaries combined over Trump’s four years in office.
26. Even her frequent critics, such as Fox News’ Peter Doocy, expressed respect for her professionalism and demeanor during briefings.

Personal Life and Family

Psaki's personal life reflects her commitment to family and balance.

27. Psaki married Greg Mecher, then chief of staff to Congressman Steve Driehaus, on May 8, 2010.
28. They have two children together.
29. The couple met at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee in 2006.
30. Psaki left her position as White House press secretary in May 2022 to focus on her family.

Current Role and Future Plans

Psaki continues to influence public discourse through her current roles and future aspirations.

31. After leaving her position as White House press secretary, Psaki joined MSNBC as a host.
32. She currently hosts the talk show "Inside with Jen Psaki" on MSNBC.
33. Psaki has expressed her commitment to continuing in public service but on her own terms.
34. She appeared before the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs for a transcribed interview about the Biden Administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan.
35. Psaki's educational background in English and sociology has been instrumental in her career.
36. Her experience as a competitive backstroke swimmer at William & Mary has contributed to her discipline and endurance.
37. Psaki’s extensive network in politics and media has been crucial in her career advancement.
38. She has worked with numerous prominent figures, including Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

Media Strategy and Public Perception

Psaki's expertise in media strategy and communication has been a hallmark of her career.

39. Psaki has played a central role in media and communications strategy, including daily briefings with the national media during her time in the Obama administration.
40. She has acknowledged the challenges of communicating effectively during times of economic downturn and crisis.
41. Psaki emphasized that communicating economic data can be challenging because it often takes time for people to feel the positive impacts of policy changes.
42. During her time in the Obama administration, Psaki worked closely with President Obama to communicate his policies and agenda effectively.
43. Psaki served as press secretary for President Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign.
44. As spokesperson for the United States Department of State, Psaki was responsible for representing the department’s policies and responding to media inquiries.
45. After leaving the State Department, Psaki worked at WestExec Advisors, advising corporate clients on navigating the federal government.
46. Psaki also served as senior vice president and managing director at Global Strategy Group, a consulting firm.

Legacy and Impact

Psaki's legacy extends beyond her roles, influencing future generations of communicators and public servants.

47. Psaki is a member of the Democratic Party and has been involved in various Democratic campaigns throughout her career.
48. She is known for her effective public speaking skills, essential in her role as press secretary.
49. Despite facing criticism from some media outlets, Psaki has maintained a professional demeanor and respect for the media.
50. Psaki has demonstrated her ability to resolve conflicts effectively, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the White House briefing room.

Jen Psaki's Impact and Legacy

Jen Psaki has made a significant mark in American politics and media. From her early days working on Democratic campaigns to her role as White House Press Secretary, she’s shown remarkable skill in communication and strategy. Her tenure in the Obama and Biden administrations highlighted her ability to handle high-pressure situations with grace and professionalism. Psaki’s transition to MSNBC as a host continues her influence in public discourse. Her dedication to public service, combined with her media savvy, ensures she remains a respected figure. Whether briefing the press or hosting a talk show, Psaki’s commitment to clear, honest communication sets a high standard. Her legacy is one of restoring dignity to the White House briefing room and maintaining a balanced approach to media relations. Jen Psaki’s career serves as an inspiration for those looking to make a difference in public service and media.