Karoline Leavitt told Turning Point USA host Erika Kirk that Karine Jean‑Pierre "had a bit of a hard time" as White House press secretary because she lacked open communication with President Biden. Leavitt contrasted that with what she described as Donald Trump’s direct, transparent style, which she said simplifies messaging for staff. Jean‑Pierre, who served nearly three years, frequently defended Biden’s cognitive fitness and has since registered as an Independent and written a memoir defending the administration’s communication choices.
Leavitt Says Karine Jean‑Pierre 'Had a Hard Time' As Press Secretary, Cites Limited Transparency With Biden
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks during a Turning Point USA event at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., on April 2.(Getty Images)
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that her predecessor, Karine Jean‑Pierre, struggled in the role because she did not have an open, transparent line of communication with President Joe Biden.
Speaking in an interview with Turning Point USA CEO Erika Kirk, Leavitt contrasted what she described as Biden’s limited transparency with the more direct style she attributes to former President Donald Trump.
"I saw my predecessor in this role have a bit of a hard time. I think it's because she wasn't able to communicate with her boss in a very open and transparent way," Leavitt said.
Leavitt said Trump’s blunt approach makes it easier for staff to convey his views: "He just lays it on the table. There's no guessing, there's no questioning, there's no spin, it's just, it is what it is with him." She acknowledged, however, that Trump’s unfiltered social media presence has drawn criticism.
Former White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during a news conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Dec. 6, 2024.
Jean‑Pierre served as White House press secretary for nearly three years under President Biden. During her tenure she was often criticized by Republican lawmakers for relying on notes and for sticking closely to prepared remarks when explaining the president’s positions. From the podium she repeatedly defended Biden’s mental acuity even as later reporting said some allies had expressed reservations about the president’s performance.
Since leaving the administration, Jean‑Pierre has registered as an Independent and discussed that decision in a new memoir. While promoting the book on "The Bulwark" podcast last October, she defended the administration’s communications strategy: "The president spoke to the American people a couple times a week. He traveled and did domestic travel and talked directly to the American people," she said. On "CBS Mornings" she also said she observed a president who was "always engaged" and who understood policy and history.
Fox News Digital said it reached out to Jean‑Pierre for comment.
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