Vice President Kamala Harrisâ communications director, Ashley Etienne, is resigning from her position.
A White House official told Fox News, âAshley is a valued member of the Vice Presidentâs team, who has worked tirelessly to advance the goals of this administration,â adding, âShe is leaving the office in December to pursue other opportunities.â
The outlet noted Etienne previously served as House Speaker Nancy Pelosiâs (D-Calif.) communications director twice.
Her resignation comes as the vice presidentâs approval rating continues to drop. A poll from USA Today and Suffolk University released earlier this month found Harrisâ approval rating stood at 28%.
A total of 51% said they disapprove of Harrisâ job performance. CNN also reported on interviews with several in Harrisâ circle who claim âsheâs not being adequately prepared or positioned, and instead is being sidelined.â
Some in the Biden administration have come to Harrisâ defense. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told Politico she believes Harris is being criticized because of her identity, as IJR reported.
âI do think that it has been easier and harsher from some in the right wing who have gone after her because she is the first woman, the first woman of color. Iâm not suggesting anyone will acknowledge that publicly,â Psaki said.
When asked during a âGood Morning Americaâ interview if she feels âmisused or underused,â Harris responded, âNo. I donât. Iâm very, very excited about the work that we have accomplished. But I am also absolutely, absolutely clear-eyed that there is a lot more to do, and weâre gonna get it done.â
Psaki announced on Friday President Joe Biden will transfer power to Harris during a routine colonoscopy, as IJR reported.
âAs was the case when President George W. Bush had the same procedure in 2002 and 2007, and following the process set out in the Constitution, President Biden will transfer power to the Vice President for the brief period of time when he is under anesthesia. The Vice President will work from her office in the West Wing during this time,â she said.
