White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre abruptly brought an end to her press briefing after a reporter repeatedly spoke over her.
The briefing on Thursday took a turn when Today News Africa’s Simon Ateba attempted to ask a question.
“Can you take a question on the U.S.-Africa summit?” he asked as the press secretary was trying to call on another reporter.
When she declined to address his inquiry, Ateba asked, “Why is it so hard to take a question on the U.S.-Africa summit? … Why is it hard for you to give me a question?”
“It is not hard … I’ve answered … would you let me answer the question or … OK,” Jean-Pierre responded.
Ateba spoke over her as she tried to respond.
Jean-Pierre said, “I’m trying to answer your question … I just tried – you wouldn’t let me.”
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Karine Jean-Pierre just stormed out of the briefing room after losing her patience with a reporter. pic.twitter.com/OXU16xhNQZ
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) December 8, 2022
When Ateba interjected again, she shot back raising her voice as she said, “I just tried and you would not let me, sir. So your colleague’s going to ask a question.”
“I literally just tried to answer your question. You shut me down,” she added.
Ateba still suggested she was not answering his question.
Finally, Jean-Pierre ended the press briefing as she said, “OK, thanks, everybody. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She then walked out of the room as another reporter could be heard trying to ask a question.
Jean-Pierre has repeatedly sparred with Ateba during her tenure as press secretary.
During a November press briefing with Dr. Anthony Fauci, Ateba criticized her for not taking a question from a reporter from the Daily Caller.
“It is not your turn,” Jean-Pierre said. “I hear your question, but we’re not doing this the way you want it. This is disrespectful … Simon, I’m done. Simon, I’m done. I’m done with you right now. You’re taking time away from your colleagues.”
