The White House initially celebrated Karine Jean-Pierre as an innovative press secretary, but there has been a noticeable shift toward relying more on John Kirby, an experienced figure in Washington, to convey its messages.
Upon being appointed the first Black and openly gay White House press secretary in May 2022, Karine Jean-Pierre expressed her hope that her role would inspire others who, like her, never envisioned holding such a prominent position in political communications.
However, there has been a decline in her public visibility lately. Following the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, Ms. Jean-Pierre has ceded the spotlight to a lower-ranking official, John F. Kirby.
Karine Jean-Pierre (Credits: ShareAmerica)
Over several months, Kirby has consistently co-hosted her daily briefings, handling more questions from journalists and making more appearances on major political news programs as the administration’s spokesperson.
John Kirby, a 60-year-old retired Navy admiral with previous experience at the Pentagon and the State Department, exhibits a greater depth of knowledge in foreign affairs, particularly crucial amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
His clarity and ease at the lectern sometimes contrast with Ms. Jean-Pierre’s more routine public speaking style and limited experience in dealing with an adversarial press.
The White House attributes Kirby’s expanded role to the surge in international news and assures that he will brief less frequently once the Middle East crisis subsides.
However, there is a perception in Washington that President Biden has allowed Kirby, a white individual, to overshadow a Black woman as the face of his administration, turning this into a sensitive topic.
Some Biden supporters, Democratic strategists, and individuals interviewed for this article opted for anonymity, deeming the issue politically and culturally delicate.
They are cautious about providing ammunition to critics, including right-wing provocateur Jordan Peterson, who explicitly links criticism of Ms. Jean-Pierre to her race.
Both Ms. Jean-Pierre and Mr. Kirby declined interviews through a spokesperson but issued statements praising each other. Mr. Kirby expressed, “It’s a privilege to be in her company, to watch her work, and to learn from her.”
White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients stated that Mr. Kirby is “deeply valued,” and Ms. Jean-Pierre “deftly represents the president and his agenda every day.”
Administration officials stressed that Ms. Jean-Pierre has maintained visibility across various media outlets, including regional TV stations, Black- and Latino-focused platforms, print magazines, and talk shows such as “The View.”
The dynamics between Ms. Jean-Pierre and Mr. Kirby, as well as the racial and gender implications, add complexity to the ongoing narrative surrounding the White House communications team.
