Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, received a promotion to senior adviser to the president on Monday.
"Karine has been a trusted advisor to the President and all of us here at the White House since day one," said White House chief of staff Jeff Zients. "Her counsel will be critical to get as much done as possible for the American people."
Jean-Pierre will continue as press secretary while taking on this new role. ABC News noted this is the first time in decades that a press secretary has also served as a senior adviser.
A White House official told ABC News the promotion shows Biden's faith in her and his commitment to diverse voices in his administration.
Earlier this year, rumors circulated that Jean-Pierre was facing internal pressure to step down as press secretary.
In April, the New York Post reported that Biden insiders, including Zients and senior adviser Anita Dunn, were seeking Democrats to persuade Jean-Pierre to leave the role.
Critics claimed she relied too much on notes and lacked quick-thinking skills. Some sources said she didn't fully understand the issues.
Deputy press secretary Andrew Bates denied the claims, calling them "wildly false" and saying Jean-Pierre had full support from Zients and Dunn.
Bates defended her use of notes, adding, "Every press secretary uses the binder. Why is she being singled out?"
Jean-Pierre has had several tense exchanges with the press, especially on controversial topics like Biden’s age and health.
Just Monday, she clashed with Fox News' Peter Doocy over hurricane disaster funding, calling his question "misinformation."