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Media: Tensions between Biden's representatives
White House National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby has begun to participate less frequently in briefings due to strained relations with the US leader's press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. This is reported by the internet portal Axios.
According to his sources, Jean-Pierre "... prevents Kirby from speaking to her at White House briefings." According to the newspaper, Kirby, who primarily covers foreign policy, "has participated in most briefings with Jean-Pierre since the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023." But over the past two months, Kirby has rarely attended briefings, even as the fighting in the Middle East continues to escalate. His source said that since late July, Jean-Pierre "has objected to Kirby every time he wants to participate in briefings" and that "tensions have been rising" between them.
Biden said that the US is at a turning point and much depends on the presidential election.
As noted in the publication, US President Joe Biden instructed the White House to assign two officials to physically conduct briefings. Kirby specialized in foreign policy and national security issues. However, as the source emphasized, "Jean-Pierre felt that Kirby's presence gave her the impression that she needed an escort." According to the portal, Kirby expressed doubt about the advisability of holding briefings in the White House simultaneously by two employees.
The data quotes White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates as saying he was confident Jean-Pierre and Kirby had a "respectful relationship."