White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds her own with a tough press corp. AP
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki holds her own with a tough press corp. AP
Ms Psaki was known for her banter with reporters. AP
Ms Psaki was known for her banter with reporters. AP
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
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
Ms Psaki hosts Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in the press room. Reuters
Ms Psaki hosts Surgeon General Vivek Murthy in the press room. Reuters
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
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
Ms Psaki gets a high-five from Washington Nationals relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan. Photo: USA TODAY Sports
Ms Psaki gets a high-five from Washington Nationals relief pitcher Kyle Finnegan. Photo: USA TODAY Sports
'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
'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
Ms Psaki often used visual aids in an attempt to simplify Covid-19 statistics. AP
Ms Psaki often used visual aids in an attempt to simplify Covid-19 statistics. AP
Ms Psaki tested positive for coronavirus in March 2022. AP
Ms Psaki tested positive for coronavirus in March 2022. AP
Ms Psaki at the White House as US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the crisis in Afghanistan. Reuters
Ms Psaki at the White House as US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the crisis in Afghanistan. Reuters
Ms Psaki watches as US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan takes part in a news briefing about the situation in Afghanistan. Reuters
Ms Psaki watches as US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan takes part in a news briefing about the situation in Afghanistan. Reuters
Ms Psaki speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. AP
Ms Psaki speaks during the daily briefing at the White House in Washington. AP
'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
'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
Ms Psaki said that she is looking forward to more time with her children. AFP
Ms Psaki said that she is looking forward to more time with her children. AFP
Ms Psaki holds a press briefing. Reuters
Ms Psaki holds a press briefing. Reuters
Karine Jean-Pierre, principal deputy press secretary, and Ms Psaki. Bloomberg
Karine Jean-Pierre, principal deputy press secretary, and Ms Psaki. Bloomberg
The passing of the torch. EPA
The passing of the torch. EPA

World

US

Jen Psaki, the voice of Joe Biden’s first term, prepares to leave

The US president praises outgoing press secretary for 'returning decency, respect and decorum' to White House briefings

Willy Lowry
Willy Lowry
Washington

May 06, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

For nearly two years, White House press secretary Jen Psaki has been the face of the President Joe Biden's administration.

Her daily press briefings have become must-see TV for Washington insiders and the press corps.

Ms Psaki, 43, has guided the administration's messaging and engaged in sometimes comical exchanges with reporters.

But she is leaving at the end of the month, making way for Karine Jean-Pierre, who will be the first black woman and member of the LGBTQ+ community to serve as the White House press secretary.

Mr Biden praised Ms Psaki on Thursday, saying she had returned a sense of normality to the job.

“Jen Psaki has set the standard for returning decency, respect and decorum to the White House Briefing Room,” Mr Biden said.

“I want to say thank you to Jen for raising the bar, communicating directly and truthfully to the American people, and keeping her sense of humour while doing so.”

Ms Psaki has been in and out of Democratic politics for most of her adult life and will join MSNBC as a political pundit and host her own show on the streaming service Peacock.

She served as then Senator Barack Obama’s travelling press secretary during the 2008 presidential campaign and then went on to serve in the administration as deputy press secretary and eventually deputy communications director.

Frankly, returning the briefing is something that sends a message to the world that we're not afraid to engage, we're not afraid. We believe in the free press"
Jen Psaki

During President Obama’s second term, she became the State Department’s spokeswoman.

She then went on to work as a commentator on CNN during the presidency of Donald Trump.

When she took on the press secretary role for the Biden administration, Ms Psaki promised to resume daily briefings — something that had ground to a halt under Mr Trump.

“Frankly, returning the briefing is something that sends a message to the world that we're not afraid to engage, we're not afraid. We believe in the free press,” Ms Psaki said.

Many in Washington have praised Ms Psaki's ability at handling tough questions and challenging reporters.

Her sparring matches with Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy often turned bitter, racking up millions of views on social media.

However, on Thursday, the two exchanged rare pleasantries.

Ms Psaki's time as press secretary has not been without incident.

In December, when fielding a question on Covid-19 tests, she sarcastically asked a reporter: “Should we just send one to every American?

“Then what happens if every American has one test? How much does that cost and then what happens after that?”

Two weeks later, the White House provided at home tests to every American who asked for one.

Speaking to broadcaster Chris Wallace on the short-lived CNN+ video streaming service, Ms Psaki admitted that was not her finest moment.

She told Mr Wallace that while should miss the job, she was looking forward to spending more time with her husband and two children.

Ketanji Brown Brown Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden to replace Justice Steven Breyer, whom she clerked for when she was fresh out of Harvard Law School. Reuters
Ketanji Brown Brown Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden to replace Justice Steven Breyer, whom she clerked for when she was fresh out of Harvard Law School. Reuters
Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks after President Joe Biden announced her as his nominee to the Supreme Court. AP
Ketanji Brown Jackson speaks after President Joe Biden announced her as his nominee to the Supreme Court. AP
Stacey Abrams is a leading figure in the US voting rights movement. AP
Stacey Abrams is a leading figure in the US voting rights movement. AP
Musician Dave Matthews greets voting rights activist Stacey Abrams during a get-out-the-vote rally. Getty Images / AFP
Musician Dave Matthews greets voting rights activist Stacey Abrams during a get-out-the-vote rally. Getty Images / AFP
Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is one of the most influential women in health care in the US and the face of government's campaign against Covid-19. AP
Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is one of the most influential women in health care in the US and the face of government's campaign against Covid-19. AP
Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) speaks before the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee in Washington. EPA
Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) speaks before the Senate Health, Education, Labour and Pensions Committee in Washington. EPA
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, last year called for the US to provide paid family leave, confessing in an open letter to congressional leaders to feeling overwhelmed by the arrival of her daughter. AFP
Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, last year called for the US to provide paid family leave, confessing in an open letter to congressional leaders to feeling overwhelmed by the arrival of her daughter. AFP
Queen Elizabeth II sits with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, an advocate for family rights. Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II sits with Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, an advocate for family rights. Getty Images
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hold hands as they walk to board Marine One. Reuters
US President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden hold hands as they walk to board Marine One. Reuters
First lady Jill Biden said on International Women's Day: 'Women have never been silent, but women have been silenced. That’s because our voices are powerful.' AP
First lady Jill Biden said on International Women's Day: 'Women have never been silent, but women have been silenced. That’s because our voices are powerful.' AP
First lady Jill Biden welcomes school children to the White House in Washington to celebrate Valentine's Day. AP
First lady Jill Biden welcomes school children to the White House in Washington to celebrate Valentine's Day. AP
Nusrat Jahan Choudhury could potentially be the first Muslim-American woman to serve on the US federal bench. Photo: Nusrat Jahan Choudhury
Nusrat Jahan Choudhury could potentially be the first Muslim-American woman to serve on the US federal bench. Photo: Nusrat Jahan Choudhury
American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Nusrat Choudhury speaks at a news conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via AP
American Civil Liberties Union lawyer Nusrat Choudhury speaks at a news conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel via AP
USAID chief Samantha Power speaks during a press conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia. AP
USAID chief Samantha Power speaks during a press conference in Sarajevo, Bosnia. AP
USAID chief Samantha Power plays the Sri Lankan bat and ball game called Elle with girls at Osmaniay College in Jaffna. AFP
USAID chief Samantha Power plays the Sri Lankan bat and ball game called Elle with girls at Osmaniay College in Jaffna. AFP
Frances Haugen gained international prominence when she became a whistleblower against Facebook. AP
Frances Haugen gained international prominence when she became a whistleblower against Facebook. AP
Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen speaks before a Senate Committee on Commerce. The Washington Post via AP
Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen speaks before a Senate Committee on Commerce. The Washington Post via AP
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines speaks before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington. AP
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines speaks before the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence in Washington. AP
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines arrives on Capitol Hill. EPA
Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines arrives on Capitol Hill. EPA
Tahera Rahman made history by being the first TV news reporter to wear the hijab on air back in 2018. Photo: Tahera Rahman
Tahera Rahman made history by being the first TV news reporter to wear the hijab on air back in 2018. Photo: Tahera Rahman
Reporter Tahera Rahman preparing for a live shot in Texas. Photo: Tahera Rahman
Reporter Tahera Rahman preparing for a live shot in Texas. Photo: Tahera Rahman
Soledad O'Brien, centre, accepts an award for documentary series 'Black and Missing' at the 37th Film Independent Spirit Awards. Invision / AP
Soledad O'Brien, centre, accepts an award for documentary series 'Black and Missing' at the 37th Film Independent Spirit Awards. Invision / AP
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

The biog

Job: Fitness entrepreneur, body-builder and trainer

Favourite superhero: Batman

Favourite quote: We must become the change we want to see, by Mahatma Gandhi.

Favourite car: Lamborghini

On Women's Day
UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

RACECARD
%3Cp%3E5pm%3A%20Al%20Shamkha%20%E2%80%93%20Maiden%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(Turf)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E5.30pm%3A%20Khalifa%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C400m%0D%3Cbr%3E6pm%3A%20Masdar%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%201%2C600m%0D%3Cbr%3E6.30pm%3A%20Wathba%20Stallions%20Cup%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(PA)%20Dh70%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7pm%3A%20Emirates%20Championship%20%E2%80%93%20Group%201%20(PA)%20Dh1%2C000%2C000%20(T)%202%2C200m%0D%3Cbr%3E7.30pm%3A%20Shakbout%20City%20%E2%80%93%20Handicap%20(TB)%20Dh80%2C000%20(T)%202%2C400m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
more from sholto byrnes
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets

THE SPECS

Engine: 4.4-litre V8

Transmission: Automatic

Power: 530bhp 

Torque: 750Nm 

Price: Dh535,000

On sale: Now

Company%C2%A0profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ELeap%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202021%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Ziad%20Toqan%20and%20Jamil%20Khammu%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFinTech%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPre-seed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Undisclosed%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECurrent%20number%20of%20staff%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

Champions League last 16, first leg

Tottenham v RB Leipzig, Wednesday, midnight (UAE)

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile

Started: 2016

Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel 

Based: Ramallah, Palestine

Sector: Technology, Security

# of staff: 13

Investment: $745,000

Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors

Three ways to limit your social media use

Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.

1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.

2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information. 

3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.

The Bio

Name: Lynn Davison

Profession: History teacher at Al Yasmina Academy, Abu Dhabi

Children: She has one son, Casey, 28

Hometown: Pontefract, West Yorkshire in the UK

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite Author: CJ Sansom

Favourite holiday destination: Bali

Favourite food: A Sunday roast

Updated: May 06, 2022, 7:33 PM`
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