(DCWatchdog.com) – The White House has announced that President Joe Biden’s Communications Director, Kate Bedingfield, will be stepping down in February.
She will be replaced by Ben LaBolt, who will become the first openly gay White House Communications Director.
The White House did not specify where Bedingfield would be going next. Bedingfield has served as the Communications Director for the entirety of Biden’s presidency and held several communication leadership roles in the Obama-Biden administration before her current position.
Biden praised Bedingfield in a statement, saying she was a “loyal and trusted advisor” who had made the country better through her hard work.
Ben LaBolt has a strong background in communication and political activism. He led communications for the confirmation of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and has served on three presidential campaigns.
LaBolt has held various communications positions in the Senate and House, including press secretary for then-Senator Barack Obama. He also served as an advisor on nominations during the Biden-Harris transition. Biden praised LaBolt, saying he was a “first-rate communicator” who has shown a commitment to public service and has a cutting-edge understanding of how Americans consume information.
Bedingfield’s departure marks another major leadership shakeup in the White House since the midterms. Biden’s Chief of Staff, Ron Klain, his top economic adviser, Brian Deese, and Labor Secretary, Marty Walsh, have all stepped down in recent weeks. The changes signal a reshuffling of the leadership team as Biden seeks to advance his agenda and tackle the country’s challenges.
In conclusion, the departure of Kate Bedingfield and the appointment of Ben LaBolt mark a significant change in the White House communications team. LaBolt brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record to the role. Biden expressed confidence in his ability to communicate his administration’s messages to the American people effectively.
