John Kirby, who has served as President Biden's National Security spokesman, is set to embark on a new chapter as the director of the University of Chicago's Institute of Politics.
This appointment, as noted on the program's website, marks a significant transition for Kirby, who will assume his new responsibilities on November 15, as initially reported by Axios. The Institute of Politics, established in 2013 by David Axelrod, former President Barack Obama's chief campaign strategist, aims to foster public service and political engagement.
According to the Daily Caller, Axelrod expressed his confidence in Kirby's capabilities, stating, "Johns whole life has been about public service. Hes a seasoned leader and mentor, whose remarkable experience is matched by his curiosity, openness and humility. All of these qualities will make him a great director of the IOP."
This endorsement underscores the high expectations placed on Kirby as he steps into this influential role.
Kirby's tenure as National Security spokesman has not been without its challenges, particularly in his interactions with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Throughout the final year of the administration, tensions between the two were evident, with Kirby frequently participating in briefings following the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
Jean-Pierre reportedly became frustrated with Kirby's presence, perceiving it as overshadowing her role. This friction culminated in her decision to block Kirby from attending briefings, despite President Biden's directive for Kirby to accompany him on various trips and attend briefings.
President Biden's reliance on Kirby was evident, as he had instructed his national security spokesperson to join him on both domestic and international travels. "Youll have an admiral looking over your shoulder," Biden reportedly told Jean-Pierre upon her appointment as press secretary, as cited by the New York Times.
This dynamic often saw Jean-Pierre calling on reporters for Kirby during briefings, a practice she typically reserved for guest speakers.
The culmination of these tensions was evident at Jean-Pierre's final press briefing, where she barred Kirby from discussing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, as reported by the New York Post. This decision highlights the complexities of their working relationship and the challenges faced within the administration's communication team.
As Kirby transitions to his new role at the University of Chicago, his departure from the White House marks the end of a contentious yet impactful chapter in his career.
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