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John Kirby, the national security spokesman for President Joe Biden, is receiving an expanded position at the White House, according to a U.S. official.
The White House national security communications adviser will be Kirby, who will also serve as the president’s assistant, according to announcing the news on Sunday. Under the condition of anonymity, the official spoke to The Associated Press regarding an appointment that has not been publicly announced and was not authorised to do so. The expanded role’s specifics were initially disclosed by Reuters.
Kirby assumed the position of National Security Council coordinator for strategic communications at the White House in 2022, shortly after former press secretary Jen Psaki resigned and was succeeded by Karine Jean-Pierre as press secretary. Historically, the NSC had no one occupying this position.
The official stated that he will direct a distinct team from the national security press team tasked with coordinating information across agencies.
Kirby, a retired admiral of the United States Navy, has been highly regarded within the administration for deftly addressing delicate foreign policy issues in public. During the Obama administration, he also served as the chief spokesman for the Pentagon and the State Department. Kirby has been a consistent presence in the White House press briefing room during Biden’s administration. His continued attendance at briefings is assured.
