MSNBC just broadcast President Obama announcing that his press secretary Jay Carney will resign and will be replaced Josh Ernest, who is currently Deputy White House Press Secretary.
President Obama praised both men for their excellent service and said also that Jay Carney will be missed.
An NBC White House press correspondent says the announcement has taken the White House Press Corp. by surprise and that known, to her knowledge, had any clue this announcement was coming.
11:10 AM PT: Here is the first written confirmation of this story.
White House Spokesman Jay Carney to Leave Post, Obama Announces
President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance Friday to announce that his chief spokesman Jay Carney is leaving his post behind the podium.
Obama called Carney one of his closest advisers and friends at the White House in remarks to the press in the White House briefing room.
Deputy Josh Earnest will take over the job as the president's press secretary.
11:17 AM PT: White House Press Secretary Jay Carney resigns. President Obama interrupted a White House briefing to make the unexpected annoucement that Jay Carney will resign.
He praised Carney for his "good heart" and "temperament" as he dealt with the media.
"I'm going to miss him a lot," Obama added about Carney, 49, who took over as the President's chief spokesman in January 2011.
Carney said he expected to stay in his post until mid-June.
"Be nice to him on his farewell tour," the President jokingly pleaded with the press.
11:28 AM PT: Thanks to annieli for bringing us this link.
'The President Did Not Communicate With Jay-Z'
3:16 PM PT: Please check out some of my other posts of the last 24 hours.