Tensions are reportedly rising within the White House, as John Kirby, the newly appointed White House National Security Advisor, expresses discontent over the role of Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre in selecting reporters during press briefings.
This information comes from The New York Times, which cited multiple sources in its report.
According to the Times, Kirby has privately expressed his desire to assume the role of press secretary in the future. He has also voiced frustration over Jean-Pierre's control over the selection of reporters who pose questions during briefings.
Kirby, who has been appearing alongside Jean-Pierre frequently since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, was officially promoted on Sunday. His new role will see him coordinating communications across several agencies.
A U.S. official confirmed that Kirby's new title will be White House National Security Advisor, a significant elevation from his previous position as deputy assistant.
In his new capacity, Kirby will lead a small team separate from the National Security Councils press office. The Times reported that Kirby's clarity and comfort at the lectern often surpasses Jean-Pierre's, who, at 49, is a more routine public speaker with less experience dealing with a challenging press.
The Times also reported that Jean-Pierre spent nearly half the time at the press briefing lectern on Friday, following White House Counsel Ian Sams' address to reporters and his responses to questions about President Biden's memory.
The report described the situation as "awkward from the start," and suggested that Jean-Pierre was experiencing "growing pains."
The Times report also included an account of a May 2022 reception on the Truman Balcony, held in honor of the departure of former Press Secretary, Ms. Psaki. According to two individuals with direct knowledge of the event, President Biden attempted to reassure Jean-Pierre about stepping into Psakis shoes. However, the White House has denied that Biden made the comment reported by the Times.
Despite the reported tension, both Jean-Pierre and Kirby have publicly praised each other. In statements provided to the Times and Fox News Digital, Jean-Pierre lauded Kirby as an "excellent colleague," and expressed respect for his military service and contributions to the national security team. Kirby reciprocated the praise, describing Jean-Pierre as a "ground-breaking, trail-blazing professional and a role model."
However, a report from Axios in January suggested that the relationship between Jean-Pierre and Kirby was "fraught with tension." The report indicated that the frequency of their shared appearances at the White House press room podium had increased since the Israel-Hamas war began in October, exacerbating tensions that had begun in the spring of 2022, following the departure of former Press Secretary Jen Psaki.
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