Indian American Vedanta Patel will be serving as the interim spokesperson of the US State Department, as Ned Price is going to step down this month.
Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki described him as “super talented” and stated that Patel had a “very promising career in government ahead of him” in April. She described his contribution as ‘amazing’ for “everything he does to help me, help all of us, help the President every day."
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However, Ned Price will continue to work directly for Antony Blinken at the State Department.
Ned Price served as a US Department of State spokesperson since January 20, 2021, as per the statement.
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Antony Blinken further said: "Ned Price has helped the US government defend and promote press freedom around the world and modelled the transparency and openness that the US advocates for other nations."
He noted: "Price has been a face and voice of US foreign policy and performed with extraordinary professionalism and integrity." He also thanked Ned Price for his remarkable service.
"Hosted my first Daily Press Briefing at the podium today. The Briefing is an important way we stay accountable to U.S. citizens and helps protect our democracy. You have a right to know about the events and policies that shape your life," wrote Vedant Patel on 6th September, when he created history by becoming the first Indian-American to hold a daily US State Department news conference.
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Earlier, Mr Patel also served as an Assistant Press Secretary and spokesperson for President Joe Biden, where he sharpened his skills in handling media relations along with communications strategy.
As per the LinkedIn page, Vedant Patel was the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s spokesperson earlier where he worked in crafting the incoming administration’s messaging and image.
Mr Patel has also worked on various political campaigns, including Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Mike Honda, where he served as Communications Director. His overall experience in shaping the public image of political candidates and officials has made him a important asset for the Democratic Party.