First lady Jill Biden’s press secretary Michael DeRosa is leaving his post at the White House amid a flurry of communication staff departures.
LaRosa’s departure is no surprise, a White House official told CNN, claiming that the East Wing has known about his resignation for several weeks. His extension in the first lady’s office came due to a desire for LaRosa to assist with three high-profile foreign trips.
The latest staff exit continues to fuel speculation of troubles inside the White House with staffing, especially when it comes to the executive communications team.
Earlier this summer, Biden lost his Press Secretary Jen Psaki, and her Chief of Staff Amanda Finney followed her out the door. Shortly after in early July, White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield left the administration.
A person familiar with next steps said that LaRosa is staying in D.C. to join the public affairs firm Hamilton Place Strategies as managing director.
He has not yet weighed in publicly on his impending departure from the White House – but the first lady’s office is already interviewing candidates to replace him.
LaRosa started serving as Dr. Jill Biden’s spokesperson during the presidential campaign in 2019 and was appointed her press secretary immediately upon taking up residence at the White House in January 2021.
Last September, LaRosa took on the additional title of special assistant to the president.
‘For nearly three years, from the campaign to the White House, Michael has brought an encyclopedic knowledge of politics and media to my team as my spokesperson and adviser,’ Dr. Biden told CNN.
‘On a small team, loyalty and friendship are lifelong – we will miss Michael. However, we are excited for him to begin a new chapter in his career.’
Most White House departures so far have come as the individuals take on different roles amid reports that some staff feel there is little room for upper movement or promotion in the administration.
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