Karine Jean-Pierre says she ‘misheard’ question when she downplayed rise in antisemitism: Biden’s press secretary insists attacks are an ‘abomination’ after sparking fury
- White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre admitted she misunderstood a question Monday as she downplayed the rise of anti-Semitism
- She had responded that she had not seen “any credible threat” and pointed out that Muslim Americans were being targeted
- On Tuesday, she released a statement and then condemned anti-Semitism at the top of the briefing
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre admitted she misunderstood a question Monday when she downplayed the rise of anti-Semitism and pointed out that Muslim Americans were being targeted.
Jean-Pierre was asked about President Joe Biden’s “concern” about a possible increase in anti-Semitism due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.
The press secretary responded that she had not seen “any credible threats” and then pointed out that “Muslims and those perceived as Muslim have suffered a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks.”
The comment drew criticism from some Jewish members of Congress.
“I misunderstood the question,” Jean-Pierre said in a statement multiple news broadcasts. “As I have stated many times from the stage and on the air, anti-Semitism is an abomination that this President has fought his entire life; and I feel strongly about that work.”
At the start of Tuesday’s briefing, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre denounced anti-Semitism. In a statement to the media, Jean-Pierre said she had misunderstood a question when she downplayed the rise of anti-Semitism on Monday.
Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz slammed Jean-Pierre on X Monday for her response calling it “weak” and asking why she had to flip through her briefing book to say the rise of anti-Semitism was concerning
“That’s why I took to the briefing room to denounce the appalling rise in anti-Semitic rhetoric, conspiracy theories and hate crimes in our country, pointing out that, tragically, this is a growing threat,” she added.
She made a show that Tuesday by opening the briefing with a condemnation of anti-Semitism.
“I want to make something clear at the top because I understand how important moral clarity is especially at this time,” she said.
“So if Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or their identity, if Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is anti-Semitism and that is unacceptable,” she said. “There is no place for anti-Semitism, period.”
“This is important to the president, it is important to me personally and to everyone in the administration,” the press secretary added.
She said that after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, “the president has been consistent and clear.”
“We must all do our part and speak out strongly and forcefully against anti-Semitism,” she said.
Biden devoted part of his speech in the Oval Office on Thursday evening to combating hate in America.
“Not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against Arab-Americans, not against Palestinian-Americans, not against anyone,” she said. “So I wanted to start there today,” Jean-Pierre added, without including the mea culpa in her official remarks.
Monday’s blunder infuriated Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
‘What a weak answer. And why are you looking at the book? What is the approved answer?’ he posted on X.
Jean-Pierre had been leafing through her briefing book when she gave her answer on Monday.
“The simple answer is: yes, you are concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism. Of course, we are also concerned about the hatred of Muslim Americans,” Moskowitz said. ‘Gotta do better.’
Florida Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz said on CNN on Monday that Jean-Pierre’s response was “obviously a whiff” but said Biden — who traveled to Tel Aviv on Wednesday — “might not be able to stand more strongly behind Israel.”