(Abdul–Rahman Oladimeji Bello, Headline USA) White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre abruptly ended her briefing from the White House podium Tuesday after RealClearNews reporter Philip Wegmann pressed her about special counsel John Durham’s report on the investigation into the Trump–Russia collusion, according to Fox News.
Durham’s 300-page report regarding the FBI and DOJ’s investigation into Russia’s possible collusion with the Trump 2016 campaign dropped on Monday. The report found that both bodies “failed to uphold their mission of strict fidelity to the law” regarding this investigation.
Wegmann made reference to this report and asked for the White House’s press briefing. “What is the White House reaction to the special counsel report on how the FBI handled the Trump-Russia probe?” Wegmann asked.
However, the press secretary responded, “I would leave it to the Department of Justice to speak on that.”
Relentless, Wegmann pressed, “The president talks often about how he wants the DOJ and FBI to remain independent and above the fray. That report seems to reflect the opposite. Does he agree with Special Counsel Durham that there need to be wholesale changes at the FBI?”
“Again, that is with the Department of Justice,” Jean-Pierre responded, closing her briefing book. “That’s not something that I’m going to speak from the podium. As you just stated in your question, we believe in an independent Department of Justice. That’s what the president said when he was running, and that’s what the president has said the last two years.”
Before any more questions could be asked, Jean-Pierre said, “Thank you so much. I’ll see you guys in Japan,” immediately leaving the podium.
Social media users immediately took to social media to blast the press secretary for ignoring the White House and her history with the Russia collusion allegation.
Reporter: "Any reaction to the Durham Report?"
Jean-Pierre: "I would leave it to the DOJ"
Reporter: "Biden always talks about how he wants the DOJ to remain independent but this report reflects the opposite."
Jean-Pierre: "That is with the DOJ. That's not something I'm going… pic.twitter.com/UVlLm2fVyL
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 16, 2023
Steve Guest wrote, “It’s no surprise KJP fled the podium… she is guilty of pushing the “Russia, Russia, Russia” nonsense.
It’s no surprise KJP fled the podium… she is guilty of pushing the “Russia, Russia, Russia” nonsense. https://t.co/Mc6XgpKVpq pic.twitter.com/XhgaLgdJqG
— Steve Guest (@SteveGuest) May 16, 2023
