US President-elect Joe Biden announced Sunday an all-female senior communications team for the White House. "I am proud to announce today the first senior White House communications team comprised entirely of women," he said in a statement. "These qualified, experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better," Biden noted. For her part, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris said, "Our country is facing unprecedented challenges-from the coronavirus pandemic to the economic crisis, to the climate crisis, and a long-overdue reckoning over racial injustice." "To overcome these challenges, we need to communicate clearly, honestly, and transparently with the American people, and this experienced, talented, and barrier-shattering team will help us do that. "These communications professionals express our commitment to building a White House that reflects the very best of our nation," she added. Biden campaign communications director Kate Bedingfield will serve as Biden's White House communications director. Jen Psaki, a longtime Democratic spokeswoman, will be his press secretary. Four of the seven top communications roles at the White House will be filled by women of color, and it's the first time the entire senior White House communications team will be entirely female, his team said. It's likely to be a more traditional press operation after President Donald Trump's administration changed their relations with press. Trump's press team held few briefings and when they did, they were often combative. "Communicating directly and truthfully to the American people is one of the most important duties of a President, and this team will be entrusted with the tremendous responsibility of connecting the American people to the White House," Biden said in a statement. He added: "These qualified, experienced communicators bring diverse perspectives to their work and a shared commitment to building this country back better." Bedingfield previously served as communications director for Biden while he was vice president, and Psaki was a former White House communications director and a spokesperson at the State Department. Kamala Harris' former chief of staff, Karine Jean-Pierre, will be a principal deputy press secretary for Biden. Pili Tobar, who was communications director for coalitions on Biden's campaign, will be his deputy White House communications director. — Agencies
