White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was slammed late this week over a derogatory remark that she made in reference to Fox News reporter Peter Doocy, and the White House Correspondents’ Association faced criticism for not speaking up on Doocy’s behalf.
Speaking on the podcast “Pod Save America” this week during a live episode, Psaki said that the questions that Fox News has Doocy asking during the White House press briefings would make anyone, including Doocy, “sound like a stupid son of a b****.”
After her comment went viral, Psaki released a statement on Friday in which she did not apologize for the derogatory remark, saying, “Full video shows I also told a story about Peter’s grace last night and made very clear I was not being critical of him or any reporter at Fox, and instead was critical of the slant of some Fox topics.”
“He is doing his job. I am doing mine,” she claimed. “We debate. We disagree. I respect that.”
Psaki faced criticism online, including the following notable reactions:
Joe Concha, The Hill: “More than a few outlets say that Jen Psaki should have resigned weeks ago due to the clear conflict of interest of her joining MSNBC while still serving as press secretary. But she continues to openly flaunt this conflict while making baseless claims. But mostly Jen has received a pass here because of party affiliation and the target of her attacks.”
Stephen L. Miller, political commentator: “Which job are you doing exactly? Taxpayer employee or MSNBC show host?”
Stephen Miller, former senior advisor to President Trump: “Quite a spin on saying someone sounds like a ‘stupid son of a bitch.’ How about just apologizing?”
John Roberts, Fox News anchor: “Note to @PressSec. @pdoocy makes the decisions on what topics he wants to quiz you on, and develops the questions himself. His philosophy is a basic tenet of journalism. Comfort the afflicted, and afflict the comfortable. If that makes all of us ‘stupid s.o.b.s’, so be it.”
Todd Starnes, radio host: “Jen Psaki disqualified herself from the position of WH Press Secretary with her vulgar attack on Fox’s Peter Doocy. She should be removed from her office immediately.”
Nile Gardiner, former aide to Margaret Thatcher: “This is sheer rudeness and beneath the position of a WH Press Secretary. The contempt for the press here is disturbing.”
This is an excerpt from The Daily Wire.
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