Jean-Pierre Faces Backlash Over Biden's Controversial Comments on Trump Supporters
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre encountered swift criticism after denying President Biden's remark that suggested Trump supporters are "garbage." The statement, made during a virtual event, drew attention and skepticism from commentators and political figures alike, who pointed to the video evidence as proof.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced intense criticism on Wednesday after she attempted to downplay President Biden’s controversial comments, in which he appeared to label Trump supporters as “garbage.” During a virtual campaign call with Voto Latino on Tuesday night, Biden took aim at a rally held by former President Trump in Madison Square Garden, which gained notoriety due to insult comedian Tony Hinchcliffe making jokes that disparaged various ethnic groups, including a reference to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage.”
In his remarks, Biden stated, “The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters,” adding that Trump’s treatment of Latinos is “unconscionable and it is un-American.” However, when reporters questioned Jean-Pierre about the statement during the daily White House press briefing, she insisted that Biden did not actually mean to call Trump supporters garbage. “To clarify, he was not calling Trump supporters garbage,” she said, reiterating the president's message that he views all Americans, including those who support Trump, as part of his constituency. She emphasized that Biden has consistently expressed his commitment to being “a president for all,” regardless of political affiliation.
Critics quickly pushed back against Jean-Pierre’s assertions, arguing that her defense reflected a misguided belief in the public’s naivety. Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee remarked, “5 Alarm fire at the WH when KJP's pants catch fire in spontaneous combustion after she claims Joe didn't really call Trump supporters ‘garbage.’ She does know that we can see the video for ourselves? That we aren't as clueless as her boss is?” Additionally, Tarrant County GOP chairman Bo French expressed disbelief at the lack of outrage over what he characterized as blatant falsehoods. “We watched the video. He clearly called us garbage. I have a feeling the swing voters are done with this kind of BS,” he stated.
Videojournalist Nick Sortor added to the backlash, mocking Jean-Pierre’s statement by saying, “JUST IN: Karine Jean-Pierre, while dressed as a piece of Laffy Taffy, says Biden ‘was not calling Trump supporters garbage.’ … even though it’s LITERALLY ON VIDEO Again, these people think you’re stupid. Vote accordingly.”