U.S. News
White House Axes Briefing: Chaos Ensues Among Reporters
Clear Facts
- White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre cut short a briefing with national security spokesman John Kirby due to a disruption from a reporter.
- Today News Africa editor-in-chief Simon Ateba repeatedly spoke over Al-Arabiya Washington bureau chief Nadia Bilbassy-Charters, prompting Jean-Pierre to end the briefing.
- Ateba previously had his hard pass to the White House revoked and sued Jean-Pierre and the Secret Service in federal court to have his access restored.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre shut down her briefing with national security spokesman John Kirby after one correspondent would not stop speaking over another reporter.
Jean-Pierre repeatedly warned Today News Africa editor-in-chief Simon Ateba she would cut short the briefing if he kept talking over Al-Arabiya Washington bureau chief Nadia Bilbassy-Charters with his questions about Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço’s visit.
“It is so surprising that you don’t think if you are accepting an African leader, you can’t take a question from an African journalist,” Ateba said.
“Ok, we can end this briefing right now,” Jean-Pierre replied. “All right, thank you so much,” she added as she ushered Kirby away from the podium.
Jean-Pierre then tried to continue the briefing on her own amid more protests from Ateba.
“Alright, we can end this briefing if it’s not going to be respectful here,” Jean-Pierre said.
“I’m saying you are receiving an African leader and you don’t take questions,” Ateba responded before she walked out.
Other reporters in the room expressed their frustrations at Ateba regarding his interruptions, which he returned with expletives.
Earlier this year, Ateba had his hard pass to the White House revoked when President Joe Biden’s administration introduced new rules as part of the renewal process. The badge previously permitted him entry to the executive compound without an escort.
Ateba sued Jean-Pierre and the Secret Service in federal court last September to have his access restored.
Clear Thoughts
The White House press briefing debacle showcases the Biden administration’s inability to handle tough situations.
Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre’s decision to cut the briefing short after a disruption from Today News Africa editor-in-chief Simon Ateba exposes an inherent weakness.
Instead of addressing Ateba’s concerns and maintaining a professional environment, Jean-Pierre chose to shut down the briefing altogether.
This incident raises questions about the administration’s commitment to transparency and its ability to handle criticism.
Furthermore, Ateba’s revoked hard pass and subsequent lawsuit against Jean-Pierre and the Secret Service only serve to highlight the tension between the White House and the press.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Jeremy
November 30, 2023 at 8:26 pm
Did someone finally figure out how to shut down the propaganda?
Jim
December 2, 2023 at 7:28 am
Which prpoganda?
There are sooooo many.
We ate being lied to about nearly everything.
Keep in mind the ultimate goal is controlling the people and acheiving the one world order
Frederick Chester Harwell II
December 2, 2023 at 8:26 pm
I would have shut the Dude down quicker than she did. Difference is I would have escorted him out to the Lawn. I think they need Officers to escort folks like that man out. Otherwise, you just have shown EVERYBODY how to shut down the Brief Room.
Irishgal
December 5, 2023 at 6:55 am
Well, Silver lining, I guess when Trump gets back in, his new Press Secretary will not have to deal with what Sarah Sanders or Kayleigh McEnerney had to deal with. The constant screaming over one another, the rudeness, etc. There is now precedence set! Press will have to be on their best behavior. No more Jim Acosta screaming over everyone, refusing to give mic back etc. Dems/libs/lefties will not be able to complain- if they do, kick’em out or shut’ter down/walk out. No more shenanigans. (Have that vid on hand to play IF needed if the ‘reporters’ start to attack Trump Press Secretary for walking out This is NOT the first time she had walked out)
Jeff
December 5, 2023 at 7:41 am
Karine and Kirby are always dancing around questions. They are evasive AT BEST. They are not prepared. How can an admiral sound so often like a tenth grader is beyond me.
Joan D Firestone
December 5, 2023 at 10:15 am
I believe Jean-Pierre had both the right and the authority to close down the session. It doesn’t reflect
badly on the administration, in fact, it demonstrates that breaking protocol on the part of a reporter
wont be tolerated. It can’t be generalized as an administration policy.
Sue Ann Ross
December 5, 2023 at 10:17 am
There has to be courtesy and respect among reporters especially at that level at the White House. Rudeness is not an option! She had every right to shut it down. He was very disrespectful to her and others. Her ending the session was not because she lost control it was because she was in control. Good for her!
Babe
December 5, 2023 at 10:35 am
Can’t stomach Karine.
WOKE JOKES
December 5, 2023 at 8:10 pm
In what frikken country did this happen???
Simon Ateba, Al-Arabiya , Nadia Bilbassy, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço….