Karine Jean-Pierre Labels Peter Doocy’s Question as 'Misinformation,' Ends Press Briefing in Fiery Exchange
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre found herself in a heated moment — and decided to step away from the podium.
During a tense exchange in Monday’s White House briefing, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy raised a question comparing the Biden-Harris administration's aid for displaced civilians in Lebanon to the support offered to Americans affected by Hurricane Helene in Southeastern states.
His question hit a sensitive spot, causing Jean-Pierre to abruptly leave the briefing.
The video is below:
For context, Doocy’s question was in reference to an aid announcement for Lebanon, which Vice President Kamala Harris shared Saturday on the platform X.
“I am concerned about the security and well-being of civilians suffering in Lebanon and will continue working to help meet the needs of all civilians there,” Harris posted.
This was a day after President Joe Biden sent a letter to Congress, urging them to approve additional funding to assist those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Doocy asked, “On this issue of funding, the administration has money to send to Lebanon without Congress returning, but Congress must return to approve funds for people in North Carolina. Do I have that right?”
Jean-Pierre, who has previously been challenged by Doocy’s questions, appeared unsettled. According to the White House transcript, she listed the amounts already allocated for the hurricane-stricken areas before accusing Doocy of spreading “disinformation, misinformation.”
She then clarified her stance:
“Your whole premise of the question is misinformation, sir,” she said.
Conservative commentator Bill Mitchell took to X to describe the exchange as “unreal.”
🚨 UNREAL: Doocy grills KJP on why the Biden/Harris admin can rush funds to Lebanon without Congress, but can’t do the same for NC disaster relief. KJP calls it “misinformation,” then storms out after a heated exchange. What’s going on here?!pic.twitter.com/88BzgR6OI9
— Bill Mitchell (@mitchellvii) October 7, 2024
However, many users found the situation very real:
How dare Peter question the regime! She was saying be quiet you peasant!!!!
— Wayne Moore (@wm98636) October 7, 2024
She is incapable of telling the truth whenever it reflects badly on this administration.
— denvlinn (@denvlinn) October 7, 2024
You know what’s going on. American Citizens in mostly Red Counties don’t take priority over illegal aliens and “Lebanon”.
— Louis Buchalter (@lepke2112) October 7, 2024
Jean-Pierre seemed to realize the moment didn’t play out in her favor — nor for her boss, or Harris’ presidential aspirations.
After a brief back-and-forth where Doocy remarked, “You can’t call a question that you don’t like ‘misinformation,’” the press secretary ended the briefing.
“Thanks, everybody,” she said, before exiting.