Tensions between the White House’s dueling spokespeople have muddied the messaging in a tough election year in which the Biden administration has struggled to answer tough questions such as foreign policy and the president’s memory.
In an unusual dynamic, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby has increasingly elbowed out press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at the daily briefings. Ms. Jean-Pierre, who technically outranks Mr. Kirby, has been ceding more time to him both in the briefing room and on the Sunday morning talk shows.
Since the Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel, Mr. Kirby has become the face of the Biden administration appearing in the briefing room daily to answer reporters’ questions about the Middle East and other national security matters.
Mr. Kirby has appeared at most press briefings with Ms. Jean-Pierre since the war’s outbreak. Mr. Kirby, who used to travel with Mr. Biden only on international trips, recently began traveling on domestic flights so he can brief reporters when they are not in Washington.
The two spokespeople are reportedly at odds about their roles with Ms. Jean-Pierre fuming that she’s outshone by Mr. Kirby, a Biden favorite. Mr. Kirby is said to be frustrated that she chooses which reporters can ask him questions in the briefing room.
Questions about which one is actually the press secretary and uneasiness between the two come at a critical time for the administration. Mr. Biden is in the midst of a bitter election for a second term, dogged by questions about his age and competence. He’s struggled to find his footing on Israel, and polls show Mr. Biden’s approval ratings and support among his base shrinking and a hostile Congress.
As the first Black and first openly gay White House press secretary, Ms. Jean-Pierre was seen as breaking down several barriers. And the administration touted her as an example of its commitment to equity and diversity. While there has been persistent criticism of her performance, replacing her with a White man like Mr. Kirby would have proven tricky during an election year.
