Jay Carney resigns as White House press secretary, deputy taking over
Jay Carney: President Barack Obama announced Carney's departure in a surprise appearance at in the White House press briefing room Friday.
White House press secretary Jay Carney pauses as he speaks during his daily news briefing at the White House in Washington, May 29. Carney discussed the Department of Veterans Affairs and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki and other topics.
Carolyn Kaster/AP
WASHINGTON
White House press secretary Jay Carney is leaving his post and his No. 2 is taking over.
President Barack Obama announced Carney's departure in a surprise appearance at in the White House press briefing room Friday. He said principal deputy press secretary Josh Earnest will take over the job.
Obama called Carney one of his closest friends and a great press secretary whom he said will continue to rely on as an outside adviser.
The president said Carney plans to take the summer off before getting a new job.