According to Axios, Jean-Pierre is banned Kirby From joining her on stage at White House press conferences.
Over the past two months, Kirby has been mostly absent from the press conference room, despite the continued escalation of fighting in the Middle East.
Kirby’s diminished presence coincided with the departure of Anita Dunn, chief communications assistant at The white house This summer, as Jean-Pierre has imposed more control over the press conference room since then.
Since there was a disagreement between them, the matter had to be referred to a president White House staff Jeff Zients to make the final decision.
People familiar with the relationship between the two parties said, “Jean-Pierre believes that Kirby’s presence gave the impression that she needed an accompaniment, and she is also frustrated that she does not have the power to decide when to join the party.” Kirby To the briefings.”
For his part, White House spokesman Andrew Bates said in a statement to Axios: “Jean-Pierre and Kirby enjoy a respectful relationship. In recent weeks, there has been a wide range of guests in the briefing room as we communicate on urgent domestic issues.”
A National Security Council spokesperson added: “Karen and John have critical jobs working together to inform The American people “The president’s foreign policy agenda and the steps he takes every day to keep his people safe.”
The White House told the New York Times in February that Kirby’s role on the podium would diminish as the Middle East crisis eased.
But this conflict became more intense, and Kirby’s absence frustrated many current and former officials in the country The white house Who think it would be helpful to have him on the platform during this time.
Kirby was previously State Department spokesman and twice was Pentagon press secretary.
Several current and former Biden aides noted that it was no insult to Jean-Pierre that Kirby had more experience talking about foreign affairs than she did.
