White House press secretary Jen Psaki has offered her response to reports from media outlets saying she has made plans to leave her job for a gig at MSNBC.
News that Psaki plans to leave the White House in May and is in exclusive talks with the left-wing news agency was first reported by Axios, citing anonymous sources. The report was later corroborated by several other outlets.
“I have nothing to confirm about my length of public service or plan service, or anything about consideration about next plans,” Psaki told reporters at the regularly scheduled White House press conference Friday.
When asked about whether it is ethical for her to be in negotiations with a news agency while still serving in her capacity as White House press secretary, Psaki said that she has not violated any ethics rules set by the Biden administration.
“I have always gone over and above the stringent ethical and legal requirements of the Biden administration and I take that very seriously,” she said. “And as a standard for every employee of the White House, I have received rigorous ethics counseling, including as it relates to any future employment. I’ve complied with all ethics requirements and gone beyond and taken steps to recuse myself from decisions as appropriate.”
Psaki has not signed any new employment contracts but has told some senior officials of her plans to leave the White House and join MSNBC, according to news reports.
According to Axios, Psaki will host a show for NBC’s streaming platform Peacock.
“My focus every day continues to be speaking on behalf of the president, answering your questions,” she told reporters.
The transition from public spokesperson to television news host is not uncommon.
Symone Sanders joined MSNBC as a weekend host earlier this year—a month after leaving her position as senior adviser and chief spokesperson for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Former White House press secretary under President Donald Trump Kayleigh McEnany joined Fox News as a commentator last March.
Sean Spicer, another Trump press secretary, has his own show on Newsmax.
Psaki also worked in the White House Press Office during President Barack Obama’s time in office, and she was a part of President Joe Biden’s campaign.
