Joe Biden’s White House just can’t hang on to staffers. Last week, it was widely reported that black staffers were fleeing the administration, and now other people are following.
This is a trend that has been going on since at least last December.
Jessica Chasmar reports at FOX News:
White House announces more press team departures amid shakeupWhite House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced two more press team departures Tuesday amid an ongoing staff shakeup.Jean-Pierre said White House Rapid Response Director Mike Gwin and White House press assistant Michael Kikukawa would be leaving to serve in public affairs at the U.S. Treasury.”On a sad note, our dear friend and colleague Michael Gwin will be leaving us for Treasury, where he will serve as deputy assistant secretary for Public Affairs,” Jean-Pierre said. “Gwin has served as the White House director of Rapid Response for the past 16 months, responding to the most challenging and difficult issues imaginable. Yet amidst these often emotionally wrenching stories, Gwin’s poise and moral clarity are unfailing, and his willingness and ability to step up has made him an indispensable member of the team.””And joining Gwin at the Treasury Department will be our very own Michael Kikukawa, where he will serve as a spokesperson,” she continued. “Michael, better known here to all of you, to all of us, as Kiku, has served not just as a press assistant, but as the strong engine and reliable engine at the press shop. His relentless work ethic and dedication to the mission of this team have been second to none.”
It’s interesting that the rapid response director is leaving one week after Karine Jean-Pierre was unable to say who briefed Biden on the baby formula shortage.
It’s also worth noting that this White House thinks everything is a ‘messaging’ problem.
From CNN:
White House rapid response director departs for Treasury as Biden’s messaging operation transitionsPresident Joe Biden’s director of rapid response will soon depart the White House for the Treasury Department, becoming the latest West Wing aide to shift to a more senior role in another part of the administration.Mike Gwin, an Ohio native who would inevitably end up in a key communications role in whatever the crisis or major policy issue facing Biden throughout the course of his first 16 months in office, will serve as the deputy assistant secretary for public affairs under Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.The subject matter will be familiar for Gwin, who operated as a member of the economic communications team focused on legislative efforts, the showdown over raising the debt limit and the confirmations of Biden’s key Federal Reserve nominees.
When staffers departed the Trump White House, it was framed as proof that his administration was in disarray.
Under Biden, it’s presented as the natural flow of things.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY