White House National Security Press Secretary John Kirby had a heated exchange with an Al Jazeera reporter over the popularity of the Biden administration’s recent actions in the Middle East.
At a press conference on Monday, Al Jazeera correspondent Kimberly Halkett first spoke of President Biden’s decision to attack Yemen’s Houthi rebels without Congressional approval, following an escalation in the terrorist group’s attacks on U.S. troops and cargo ships in the region. They pressed Mr. Kirby on whether he had the authority to launch the attack.
In response, Kirby said Biden has the authority to take such military action under Article 2 of the Constitution, reiterated that he has not started a war with the Houthis or Iran, and that the Biden administration is He added that he would notify lawmakers if action was taken.
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National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby during a press conference in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on Monday, January 29, 2024 in Washington, DC, USA. (Yuri Gripas/Abaka/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
But when Mr. Halkett went on to claim that the American people were “not happy” with Mr. Biden’s actions, Mr. Kirby became visibly irritated.
“Isn’t it time to involve the American people?” Halkett asked. “I mean, given the fact that the American people were not happy—”
“I don’t think the American people are happy about attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea, and they’re not happy about seeing American soldiers killed on bases in Jordan,” Kirby said. fired back. “The president has the authority to protect the troops in those facilities, and he will do that.”
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The relationship further escalated when Halkett questioned whether there were political motives behind Biden’s actions.
“This is an election year. Is the president looking at the polls as he considers all these options?” Halkett asked. “Are you looking for the president?”
“That’s a ridiculous question,” Kirby answered, shaking his head.
NSC spokesperson John Kirby (R) had a combative exchange with Al Jazeera’s Kimberly Halkett during Monday’s White House press briefing. (Screenshot/White House)
When the Al Jazeera reporter tried to continue asking questions, Kirby cut her off.
“Ma’am, ma’am, let me put you on top right then and there,” Kirby interrupted. “The commander-in-chief doesn’t take polls or election dates into account when defending himself.”
“Isn’t he thinking about how they feel about the war in Gaza?” Halkett chimed in.
“Can I answer your question?” Kirby snapped. “He’s working to protect our troops on land and our ships at sea, but he doesn’t take into account political calculations, opinion polls, election dates, etc.? And his suggestions to the contrary are offensive?” is.”
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“As he considers his political decisions, does he respectfully look to the polls to see whether the American people want a broader Middle East conflict?” She then asked .
“Ma’am, I answered that question,” Kirby replied.
“You haven’t answered that question!” cried Halkett. “Is he weighing it?”
“He doesn’t care about the political calendar–” Kirby spoke up.
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“Will the American people ever have a chance to consider whether they want the bombs they drop to be stamped with ‘Made in American’?” Halkett continued.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre interjected: “We’re going to move forward.” Kirby was quick to thank him.
