Psaki calls Harris’s role as acting president a chapter in history of the 25th Amendment

President Biden briefly transferred the power of the presidency to Vice President Kamala Harris on Friday morning as he underwent a routine physical. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the event would be noted by many women and young girls across the country as a chapter in the history of the 25th Amendment.

Video Transcript

- In an effort to flesh out the historical record of the day, is there anything you can tell us about the 85 minutes that Kamala Harris served as acting president?

JEN PSAKI: I will leave that to the vice president and her team to characterize. You know, I would note that-- and you didn't ask me exactly this, but I know other people have been talking about this. And as a woman myself, I will note that the president when he selected her to be his running mate, obviously he knew he was making history. He was making history that was long overdue in our view. And part of that was selecting someone who could serve by your side as your partner, but also step in if there was a reason to. And that includes the application of the 25th Amendment as was done this morning.

He also, of course-- we also know we make history every time they're working together, every time she's out there speaking on behalf of the government as the vice president of the United States. But certainly, today was another chapter in that history I think that will be noted for many women, young girls across the country.