The Biden White House has a serious employee retention issue when it comes to the communications team.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have seen communications staffers run for the exits like a kid running to catch the ice cream truck.
And it makes sense. Who would want to have to clean up gaffes and what seem like policy changes on an almost daily basis after being promised that this was the administration where the adults would be back in the room, that was professional and experienced?
Now, the bleeding of the communications team is extending to First Lady Jill Biden.
Michael LaRosa, who has served as her press secretary since 2019, is leaving his position to join Hamilton Place Strategies – a public affairs firm.
The first lady told CNN, “For nearly three years, from the campaign to the White House, Michael has brought an encyclopedic knowledge of politics and media to my team as my spokesperson and adviser.”
“On a small team, loyalty and friendship are lifelong – we will miss Michael. However, we are excited for him to begin a new chapter in his career,” she added.
CNN notes that LaRosa’s departure “has been known inside the East Wing for the last several weeks.”
Earlier this month, the first lady faced criticism over remarks she made at a Hispanic outreach event.
“[Raul Yzaguirre] helped build this organization with the understanding that the diversity of this community, as distinct as the bogedas [sic] of the Bronx, as beautiful as the blossoms of Miami, and as unique as the breakfast tacos here in San Antonio, is your strength,” she said.
In case you missed it:
Once again, Dr. Jill Biden butchers the Spanish language in furtherance of pandering to a client constituency (the org FKA National Council of La Raza). I hereby bless your timelines with Dr. Jill's rendering of "bodega". pic.twitter.com/Z4FSXtlUMe
— Jorge Bonilla (@BonillaJL) July 11, 2022
Amid the ensuing backlash, LaRosa tweeted, “The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community.”
The First Lady apologizes that her words conveyed anything but pure admiration and love for the Latino community.
— Michael LaRosa Archived (@MichaelLaRosa46) July 12, 2022
LaRosa’s departure is just the latest in a string of communications aides leaving.
Earlier this month, it was reported Harris’ director of speechwriting — who was hired in April — is leaving. White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield is also leaving her position.
These latest departures also come after NBC News reported that the White House is “considering a major overhaul of its press and communications shops” to help boost the president’s message ahead of the midterm elections.
But given that the bizarre word-salads, gaffes, and other just plain weird comments have continued despite the turnover, it appears that the issue may not lie entirely with the communications team.
