Newly promoted White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, who also serves as a senior adviser to Joe Biden, has reportedly restricted National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby from regularly joining her at the podium during press briefings.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the tension between Jean-Pierre and Kirby stems from disagreements over how much time each is allotted to address the press, as reported by Axios.
Kirby, considered a “Biden favorite” due to his extensive foreign policy experience, has often shared the briefing stage with Jean-Pierre.
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However, reports suggest that Jean-Pierre has been attempting to limit his appearances. According to Axios, Jean-Pierre felt that Kirby’s presence alongside her at the podium gave the impression that she needed assistance, which she reportedly found frustrating.
Sources told Axios that Joe Biden had originally decided to have both Jean-Pierre and Kirby brief the media together, but Jean-Pierre believed Kirby’s presence detracted from her authority.
“Having both of them at the podium was what Biden wanted, but Jean-Pierre thought that Kirby’s presence gave the impression she needed a chaperone,” people familiar with her thinking said.
The situation has reportedly led to some behind-the-scenes friction. One source familiar with the dynamics between the two said, “The president made the call to have Kirby regularly brief — and it’s the president’s briefing room, not anyone else’s.”
Jean-Pierre has expressed frustration over not having control of when Kirby joins her during the briefings, according to sources cited by Axios.
Despite these reports, White House spokesperson Andrew Bates disputed the characterization of their relationship, telling Axios that the dynamic between Jean-Pierre and Kirby was inaccurately portrayed.
However, a spokesperson for the National Security Council did not deny the details of the reported tensions.
This infighting comes at a time when Jean-Pierre has faced criticism for her performance as press secretary.
Since the departure of Anita Dunn, the White House’s top communications aide, on July 30, Kirby’s appearances alongside Jean-Pierre have noticeably decreased.
Before Dunn’s exit, Kirby joined Jean-Pierre at the podium about 55 percent of the time.
Following Dunn’s departure, that number has dropped to around 15 percent.
The press has previously criticized Jean-Pierre for her communication style, with some White House insiders reportedly suggesting she be removed from her role.
Despite these criticisms, Jean-Pierre continues to hold her position as the first black woman and the first openly gay person to serve as White House press secretary.
The reported tensions between Jean-Pierre and Kirby raise questions about the inner workings of the Biden-Harris administration’s communications team as they navigate a series of high-stakes foreign and domestic issues.
As of now, it remains unclear whether these reported disagreements will impact future briefings or the administration’s messaging strategy going forward.
Source: https://www.rvmnews.com/2024/10/kjp-uses-promotion-to-block-biden-favorite-from-white-house-podium/
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