DON'T WAIT.

We publish the objective news, period. If you want the facts, then sign up below and join our movement for objective news:

TOP STORIES

Latest News

Biden's Press Secretary Leaves Briefing After Tense Hurricane Aid Debate with Fox News

 October 8, 2024

In a dramatic turn of events, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre departed a press briefing following a heated exchange with Fox News reporter Peter Doocy concerning the allocation of hurricane relief funds.

The interaction marked their most intense yet, ending abruptly with Jean-Pierre leaving after only 49 minutes at the podium, Mail Online reported.

The briefing began on a cordial note with Doocy congratulating Jean-Pierre on her new role as a senior adviser to President Biden. However, tensions soon escalated as the conversation shifted to hurricane aid.

Doocy inquired about the administration's plans for additional funding for storm victims and whether President Biden intended to summon Congress for further budgetary assistance.

Argument Over Hurricane Aid Intensifies

Jean-Pierre emphasized that misinformation needed addressing, specifically false assertions that relief money favored Democrats and suggested government intentions of seizing land. Some confusion and disorder arose among communities in Georgia and North Carolina, where misinformation spread rapidly amidst limited utilities.

Doocy argued his questions weren't based on misinformation, sparking further disagreement with Jean-Pierre, who countered, asserting that his framing perpetuated falsehoods. This back-and-forth set the stage for their fiery debate.

Doocy pressed further, quoting President Biden's budgetary stance, questioning the priority given to domestic disaster relief compared to international aid. He remarked, "President Biden is fond of saying, show me your budget, and I will tell you what you value. If he's got money for people in Lebanon right now, without Congress having to come back, what does it say about his values?"

Jean-Pierre Confronts Misinformation Concerns

Jean-Pierre maintained her focus on the immediacy of congressional action, responding, "The whole premise of your question is misinformation sir," illustrating her disagreement with Doocy's line of questioning.

Interrupted by Doocy's protestations, Jean-Pierre reiterated her stance, specifying that Congress needed to act quickly to bolster the Disaster Relief Fund for regions impacted by recent hurricanes.

She continued to advocate for proactive legislative measures, emphasizing that while some may resist reinviting Congress, it was crucial for the Administration’s agenda.

Briefing Concludes With Jean-Pierre's Exit

The verbal sparring peaked as Jean-Pierre contended, "What you're asking me is why Congress needs to come back and do their job." She asserted that additional funds were necessary for ongoing and future disaster recovery efforts.

The Department had already allocated $200 million to affected areas, yet Jean-Pierre pointed out the persistence of funding requirements, especially given the anticipated impact of Hurricane Milton.

Although the briefing was cut short, Jean-Pierre concluded by reiterating the Administration's clear position on legislative responsibility and disaster relief. Her final remarks urged Congress to prioritize the allocation of further assistance to afflicted regions urgently.

Jean-Pierre stormed out of the room after a terse "Thanks, everybody," signifying the end of a briefing dominated by discord over complex issues of disaster aid distribution and political accountability.

The events underscore an ongoing narrative of tension between the White House and certain media entities, with Jean-Pierre’s exit exemplifying heightened sensitivities surrounding the communication of government priorities in times of crisis.