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WH press secy Karine Jean-Pierre's relationship with CNN anchor sparks Cuomo-like scandal concerns

Karine Jean Pierre, 44, is set to take over from Jen Psaki, 43, as the WH press secretary on May 13 after serving as her deputy since 2021

Karine Jean-Pierre, the new White House press secretary replacing Jen Psaki, has reportedly been in a long-term relationship with a prominent CNN correspondent and even shares a daughter with her. This has raised questions about a potential conflict of interest for the already scandal-plagued network.

Jean-Pierre, 44, is set to take over from Psaki, 43, on May 13 after serving as her deputy since 2021. She is currently in a relationship with CNN reporter Suzanne Malveaux, 55, and they are parents to a seven-year-old daughter, Soleil. Many celebrated the historic nature of her appointment as the first black lesbian to take up the job. However, others were concerned about the potential conflict of interest and whether CNN can offer impartial coverage considering the intimate relationship.

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The embattled network has been plagued with controversies in recent months. It all started with the firing of star correspondent Chris Cuomo in December over his involvement in his brother, former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo's sex harassment scandal. Then came the ouster of network president Jeff Zucker over his secret romance with CNN co-worker Allison Gollust. "I'm sure there won't be Cuomo-level conflict of interest violations but expect it to have it bought up in the future," Juwan Holmes, the associate editor of the online magazine LGBTQ Nation, who spent the last two years writing about Jean-Pierre's work, told the Daily Mail of her White House appointment.

Meanwhile, others took to social media to raise similar concerns. "This is one of many examples of the corporate media LITERALLY in bed with the government it covers," Breitbart editor-in-chief Alex Marlow tweeted. "Is it not a conflict of interest that Karine Jean-Pierre, the new WH Press Secretary’s domestic partner (“wife”) is a CNN reporter?" reporter Jon Miller added.

Malveaux joined CNN in 2002. She and Jean-Pierre are a well-known couple in the DC circuit. The pair, who met in 2012 at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, most recently attended the White House Correspondents' Dinner together on Saturday night, April 30. Psaki choked back her tears as she introduced her successor and "partner in truth."

"I'm going to cry," Psaki said at the start of her briefing on Thursday, May 5, before bringing her Jean-Pierre up to the podium and hugging her. "I just want to take the opportunity to celebrate and congratulate my friend, my colleague, my partner in truth Karine Jean-Pierre, the next White House Press Secretary," Psaki added.

Fox News star correspondent Peter Doocy said he will miss going back and forth with his favorite sparring partner Psaki in the WH briefing room, before she quipped, "Are you?" The popular Biden spokesperson refused to comment on her future plans, saying she's only looking forward to "sleeping" and "reading books." The 43-year-old, who is expected to join MSNBC after departing the White House, even asked the press corps for Netflix suggestions.

"Karine not only brings the experience, talent, and integrity needed for this difficult job, but she will continue to lead the way in communicating about the work of the Biden-Harris Administration on behalf of the American people," POTUS Joe Biden said in a statement, adding that he and FLOTUS Jill Biden "have known and respected Karine a long time and she will be a strong voice speaking for me and this Administration."