Posted 1/5/2024, 7:47:00 PM
Tense Relationship Between White House Press Secretaries Highlights Internal Rivalry and Diversity Concerns
- White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and NSC spokesman John Kirby have a "tense" relationship due to having to split podium time
- Sources say Kirby is a "Biden favorite" who often speaks on foreign policy, while Jean-Pierre focuses on domestic issues
- Jean-Pierre was initially upset about having to share the podium with Kirby when offered the press secretary job
- Some Black Democrats feel Jean-Pierre is being undermined and treated differently due to her race
- Kirby has expressed interest in being press secretary someday; he briefs Biden personally and travels with him