According to a person familiar with the situation, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby is joining the White House, bringing star power to the West Wing’s foreign policy communications team.

According to a person familiar with the situation, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby is joining the White House, bolstering President Joe Biden’s National Security Council.

Kirby, who previously served as the top spokesman at the Pentagon and the State Department during the Obama administration, is expected to handle strategic communications for the NSC as the West Wing navigates a variety of foreign policy challenges, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear programme. Kirby has been a staple on cable news, particularly during the Ukraine crisis, and is respected within the administration for appearing to handle even the most difficult foreign policy issues with ease.

On the condition of anonymity, a person familiar with the situation confirmed Kirby’s shift to the White House before it was made public. Kirby’s departure was initially reported by the Washington Post.

The NSC has never had a dedicated, high-level strategic communications job under Biden.

Kirby is anticipated to work closely with new press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, including making appearances in the White House briefing room on occasion, according to a source. He was rumoured to be one of the candidates to succeed former White House press secretary Jen Psaki.

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