(NewsNation) — White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faces claims of blocking national security spokesman John Kirby from appearing alongside her at press briefings, allegedly frustrated at the impression she needs a chaperone, a new Axios report says.
Jean-Pierre leads the daily press briefing at the White House while Kirby often handles comments and questions about foreign affairs and national security measures.
Kirby has joined Jean-Pierre for regular briefings ever since the Hamas attack against Israel last year, but after top White House communications aide Anita Dunn left over the summer, Kirby has appeared less.
Feud within the White House
Axios tabulated the appearances, finding that before Dunn’s departure at the end of July, Kirby joined Jean-Pierre over half the time for press briefings.
Since her departure, Kirby has only been there around 15% of the time.
As for the possible reasons for this, Axios cited sources familiar with the situation who say Jean-Pierre has privately fumed about Kirby’s role. She allegedly vented earlier this year about having decision-making power over when Kirby joins her.
Recently, the press secretary has been more assertive.
On the other hand, sources told Axios that Kirby had voiced frustration with Jean-Pierre being territorial.
White House pushes back on claims
The White House pushed back against the Axios reporting.
In a statement to Axios, a spokesperson wrote, “That characterization of their dynamic is inaccurate. (Jean-Pierre and Kirby) have a respectable relationship.”
The White House also pointed to previous statements from the two about one another, such as one from a New York Times story in February.
“It’s a privilege to be in her company, to watch her work and to learn from her,” Kirby said at the time.
Another source told Axios it was always the plan for Kirby to make fewer appearances at press briefings closer to Election Day.