THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

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For Immediate Release January 5, 2011

Statement by the President on the Departure of Press Secretary Robert Gibbs

“For the last six years, Robert has been a close friend, one of my closest advisers and an effective advocate from the podium for what this administration has been doing to move America forward. I think it’s natural for him to want to step back, reflect and retool. That brings up some challenges and opportunities for the White House – but it doesn’t change the important role that Robert will continue to play on our team.”

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