Allegations of unethical behavior have surfaced against the now-former Biden administration, criticizing its press team for methods used to secure positive media coverage.

Michael LaRosa, a former press secretary for Jill Biden, has accused the Biden administration of unethical press practices that led to a strained relationship with the media, as Fox News reports.

Michael LaRosa, who previously served the then-first lady, spoke out during an interview on The Young Turks about what he described as questionable tactics employed by President Joe Biden's communications team. LaRosa claimed that the team’s approach under Anita Dunn was characterized by hostility and suspicion, leading to strained press relations.

Bullying Tactics by Press Team Alleged

LaRosa contended that the Biden press team bullied reporters to ensure favorable coverage, which ultimately backfired. This behavior, LaRosa argued, ignored the goodwill Biden initially enjoyed with the media, only worsening their relationship over time.

He highlighted an incident during the summer of 2024, when radio reporters were allegedly directed to ask pre-approved questions, reminiscent of campaign practices in 2020.

Quote approval was another criticized tactic, where only specific statements cleared by the president's team were allowed for publication.

This approach, according to LaRosa, stifled genuine media interactions and transparency. He advised his own team against demanding interview questions in advance, indicating his dissatisfaction with such tactics.

LaRosa also highlighted the issue of Biden's age and cognitive abilities, which were sensitive topics rarely addressed publicly. Despite efforts from Biden’s team, these issues became unavoidable, especially after a notable debate against Donald Trump highlighted them.

Biden Tactics Backfire

LaRosa discussed how these communication strategies did little to improve Biden's media image or approval ratings. Despite the press team’s efforts, Biden continued to face challenging press coverage. LaRosa remarked that these tactics did not result in positive media coverage and instead hurt the president’s trust and approval ratings.

A former White House official, however, disputed LaRosa's account, suggesting that he was not entirely aware of all the operations in the West Wing. According to this official, the strategies were not as problematic as LaRosa had described.

Further criticisms arose regarding the administration's approach to democracy and journalism. LaRosa argued that running a campaign based on the idea that "democracy is at stake" contradicted their treatment of the media.

Presidential Debate Highlights Tensions

The press tactics came into sharper focus during a debate between Biden and Trump in June, highlighting perceived mental decline in the president. LaRosa mentioned how this became a central issue, one that was conspicuously absent from broader reporting until it could no longer be ignored.

LaRosa's accusations emphasize a disconnect between Biden's intended public image and the internal workings of his communications team.

He hinted at a culture within Biden’s team that he found damaging and opposite to his own values based on his experiences in media.

A perspective shared by a White House reporter supported the notion that the administration deflected scrutiny over Biden's cognitive state. The reporter noted that there was an informal penalty for media outlets that speculated on such matters.

Critiques of Administration’s Strategy Deepen

LaRosa's criticisms reflect deeper concerns about media relations under the Biden administration. He criticized the administration’s failure to leverage Biden’s initial positive media standing and instead allowing tensions and criticisms to grow.

Despite these criticisms, the Biden team's strategies show a commitment to managing their narrative, albeit while facing criticisms of being overly controlling. The insights from a former insider like LaRosa provide a rare look into the inner workings of the White House’s communications strategy.

As these revelations continue to unfold, the broader implications for media relations and political communication strategies remain a subject of interest. The ongoing dialogue sparked by LaRosa's statements could influence future campaigns and administrative approaches.