In a heated moment during Monday’s White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre paused to address the press corps directly, pushing back against accusations that the Biden administration has been hiding information about the president’s health.
“We understand that freedom of the press, we respect the freedom of the press,” Jean-Pierre said, reflecting on a recent tense exchange with CBS News’s Ed O’Keefe. “We literally do everything that we can to make sure we get the answers to you. That’s what we do.”
Jean-Pierre’s comments came after several reporters, including NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell, pressed her on the transparency of President Biden’s medical records.
“To say that I’m holding information or allude to anything else is really, really unfair,” Jean-Pierre stated. “I think people who are watching and have been watching this briefing for this past week could say that we are doing our best in this briefing to provide the information that we have.”
The Press Secretary emphasized the administration’s commitment to transparency while admitting occasional gaps in information:
“I will admit, I will be the first one to admit, sometimes I get it wrong. At least I admit that. And sometimes I don’t have the information. And I will always, always admit that.”
NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell clarified the reporters’ intentions, stating:
“We are seeking clarity,” and highlighting the public’s right to understand the president’s health status.
O’Donnell suggested that President Biden could authorize the release of more detailed medical records, including those protected under HIPAA.
Jean-Pierre responded firmly against what she perceived as personal attacks.
“Personal attacks are not okay. Want to be very, very clear here,” she said.
O’Donnell further questioned why the president had not undergone a more comprehensive in-person physical check-up, given recent public concerns.
“This has dominated his presidency for ten days and he could submit to another exam, a full exam, partial exam, whatever,” O’Donnell added.
Jean-Pierre acknowledged the importance of transparency while stressing the need to respect the privacy of medical professionals involved.
“We want to respect that person and give them the measure of privacy that they deserve,” she said, referring to a Parkinson’s specialist who had visited the White House. “He has seen a neurologist three times. Three times, not more.”
The exchange underscored ongoing tensions between the White House and the press over the administration’s handling of information regarding President Biden’s health, a topic that continues to draw significant public interest.
