White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre is taking heat after declining to say whether she believes it was appropriate for President Joe Biden to weigh in on an investigation of his predecessor.
During a press briefing on Wednesday, a reporter noted Biden scorched former President Donald Trump over his handling of classified documents last year.
“Do you think it was proper for President Biden to comment on an ongoing DOJ investigation?” he asked.
She responded, “I’m going to keep it really short today as it relates to this particular issue, as it relates to an ongoing legal matter, I’m going to refer you to the Department of Justice.”
“As it relates to anything that you want to ask of us about this legal matter, I would refer you to the White House Counsel’s office,” she added.
When the reporter noted he “simply” asked Jean-Pierre to comment “on the person you work for,” she said, “I just commented. We’re moving on … I already answered your question.”
Watch the video below:
Jean-Pierre: "I am going to refer you to the DOJ."
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) January 18, 2023
Reporter: "I'm simply asking you to comment on the person you work for."
Jean-Pierre: "I just commented. We're moving on. I already answered your question."
Reporter: "You really didn't."
Jean-Pierre: "That's your opinion." pic.twitter.com/gxqs6rgXpz
“You really didn’t,” he shot back. “You did not answer.”
However, Jean-Pierre disagreed as she said, “Well, I did. It’s your opinion … That is your opinion.”
Conservative commentator David Marcus tweeted in response to the exchange, “This is getting to the point where reporters need to stop showing up. There’s no reason on earth she can’t comment on Biden’s public statements.”
This is getting to the point where reporters need to stop showing up. There’s no reason on earth she can’t comment on Biden’s public statements. https://t.co/NoxzJlVTNq
— David Marcus (@BlueBoxDave) January 18, 2023
Writer Mike LaChance wrote, “Again. Useless. What’s the point?”
Again. Useless. What's the point? https://t.co/IY6ofvgxNw
— Mike LaChance (@MikeLaChance33) January 18, 2023
Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) tweeted, “For an administration that touts their ‘transparency,’ they’re about as transparent as a wooden door. And I’d put my money on the door in that contest.”
For an administration that touts their "transparency," they're about as transparent as a wooden door.
— Congressman Cliff Bentz (@RepBentz) January 18, 2023
And I'd put my money on the door in that contest. https://t.co/bIR3rjuGDs
The exchange comes as Biden is facing a special counsel investigation into his handling of classified documents.
