According to The New York Times, John Kirby has reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with how White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre manages reporter inquiries during his briefings. This follows rumors of tensions between the two officials.
Eyeing the Press Secretary Role?
“Mr. Kirby had privately acknowledged, when asked, that he would one day like to be named press secretary, and he has expressed frustration that Ms. Jean-Pierre picked the reporters who ask him questions at briefings,” the newspaper stated, based on its sources.
Shared Duties, Rising Tensions
Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, Jean-Pierre and Kirby have increasingly shared responsibilities at the White House pressroom podium.
Behind the Scenes
This shared duty has reportedly exacerbated tensions that began to surface in the spring of 2022, following Jen Psaki’s departure as press secretary, according to statements from current and former Biden officials.
New Role
A U.S. official has announced that John Kirby will be taking on the role of White House National Security Advisor, a step up from his previous position as deputy assistant to assistant to the president.
In this new capacity, Kirby will lead a compact team, operating independently from the National Security Council’s press office.
Kirby vs. Jean-Pierre
The New York Times highlighted Kirby’s communication strengths, noting, “He evinces a clarity and comfort at the lectern that can sometimes elude Ms. Jean-Pierre, 49, a more rote public speaker with less experience tussling with an adversarial press.”
Briefing Dominance
The Times also reported that Jean-Pierre occupied the press briefing lectern for nearly “half the time” on Friday, following a session with White House Counsel Ian Sams, who addressed inquiries about President Biden’s memory.
Age and Memory Concerns
Recently, President Joe Biden’s memory has become a focal point of concern amidst the approaching election. A special counsel report referred to Biden as potentially perceived by potential jurors as an “elderly man with a poor memory.”
Biden Declared Fit
Last year, Biden underwent an evaluation by a team of medical experts from various fields, including neurology, who declared him “fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency.”
Growing Pains
“The situation was awkward from the start,” the media outlet noted. The article mentioned that Jean-Pierre experienced “growing pains.”
A Moment of Transition
During a May 2022 Truman Balcony reception honoring Ms. Psaki’s departure, President Biden, while conversing with aides, attempted to comfort Ms. Jean-Pierre about succeeding Ms. Psaki.
This is according to two individuals familiar with their conversation.
Biden’s Encouragement
The president reportedly encouraged her by saying, “You’ll have an admiral looking over your shoulder.” However, the White House refuted this statement to the Times.
Mutual Admiration
Complimentary remarks about each other were shared by both Jean-Pierre and Kirby with the Times, and these statements were also relayed to Fox News Digital by the White House.
High Praise
In her statement, Jean-Pierre expressed high regard for Admiral Kirby, stating, “Admiral Kirby is an excellent colleague and I’m proud to work with him. I’ve enjoyed getting to know him and have great respect for his service to our country. His military experience and the work he has done as part of the national security team have been immensely helpful to the White House, particularly with two ongoing conflicts around the world.”
Admiration for Professionalism
Kirby reciprocated with equal admiration, describing Jean-Pierre as a “ground-breaking, trail-blazing professional and a role model.”
A Role Model
He added, “I don’t know anyone more dedicated to the task of explaining the goals of this administration. It’s a privilege to be in her company, to watch her work and to learn from her. And I’m lucky to get to do that every day.”
Kirby’s Aspiration
Kirby, a favored figure in the Biden administration and key spokesperson during the Israel-Hamas conflict, has reportedly expressed to some his aspiration to become White House press secretary.
White House Future
Jean-Pierre, on the other hand, has shared her intentions to remain in her current role through the election and beyond, provided President Biden wishes her to stay, and she has mentioned that the President has requested her not to leave.
A White House official, speaking to Axios, refuted the claim that Kirby has openly expressed a desire to be press secretary.
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