Biden’s White House Press Secretary Wrote “I Came To Detest South Carolina” And Said “Racial Hostility” Permeates The Air In The Palmetto State

“Mr. Ateba, On July 11, 2023, we wrote to you about your disruptive behavior at multiple press briefings, reminded you that we expect professional behavior on White House grounds, and warned you of the consequences that could result if you continue to impede briefings or events by shouting over colleagues who have been called on for a question, even after you have been asked to stop by a White House employee,” the White House letter states.

“As we explained in that letter, we strongly support the important role that members of the press play in covering the White House, but the back-and-forth that takes place between White House officials and the press only works when the individuals involved engage with each other in a professional and respectful manner. Unfortunately, even though we previously placed you on notice of conduct that would run afoul of basic expectations of professionalism, you again engaged in the warned-against conduct by disrupting a press briefing on November 30, 2023. Specifically, as the Press Secretary attempted to call on one of your colleagues, you talked over both your colleague and the Press Secretary, preventing the question from being asked and interfering with the Press Secretary’s and the National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications’ ability to have a dialogue with members of the press. The Press Secretary asked you twice ‘to be respectful’ and warned you three times that your disruption could result in ending the briefing, but you continued to shout over your colleagues and the Press Secretary,” the White House letter states.

“As we emphasized in our July 11 letter, continued interruptions prevent journalists from asking questions and administration officials and guests from responding. The Press Secretary’s only option in response to such disruptions is to stop the briefing or event, which is to the detriment of all journalists. That is precisely what happened because of your disruptions on November 30. “We previously warned you that continuing to engage in disruptive conduct at press briefings could result in the suspension or revocation of your hard pass, which you possessed at the time of the July 11 letter. Because you no longer have a hard pass, we are writing to make clear that if you continue to impede briefings or events by shouting over your colleagues who have been called on for a question, even after you have been asked to stop by a White House employee, your access to the White House campus for press-related events through the day pass system may be restricted. Any such restriction would come with an opportunity to be heard. We note, however, that in light of your history of disruptive conduct— recounted in detail in the July 11 letter—you may immediately be denied access to press-related events, pending such an opportunity to be heard, should you engage in further conduct that violates the expectations of professional behavior on White House grounds,” the White House letter states.

“We hope that you will work with us to avoid any future issues in the press briefing room or at other events at the White House. If you would like to comment on this letter, please reply by email within 7 days,” the White House letter states.