Staff Reports
In a White House press briefing, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby faced a barrage of questions about the conflict in the Middle East and America’s involvement. The press corps, including Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich, didn’t hold back on their pointed inquiries. Heinrich went straight for the jugular, demanding to know why there hasn’t been a response from the U.S. after attacks on American troops.
Testy Exchange Between John Kirby and Jacqui Heinrich at WH Press Briefing Raises Eyebrowshttps://t.co/VkOSmqsZ0h
— RedState (@RedState) October 26, 2023
Kirby, visibly uncomfortable, skirted around the issue, repeating the president’s warning as a response. Heinrich challenged him, asking if repeating warnings was an adequate way to protect U.S. troops. Kirby, clearly frustrated, dismissed her question, claiming he wouldn’t reveal any military strategies.
REPORTER (@JacquiHeinrich): "The president said that if Iran or its proxies attacked U.S. troops, that we would respond. What is he waiting for?"
KIRBY: "He did say that"
REPORTER: "So repeating the warning is the response…..?" pic.twitter.com/d9idLpltMV
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 26, 2023
.@JacquiHeinrich: "You said [POTUS] issued a warning to the Ayatollah – How was that warning delivered?"
KIRBY: "I'm not gonna get into that."
HEINRICH: "Was there a message that was relayed after U.S. troops were injured?"
KIRBY: "There was a direct message relayed."… pic.twitter.com/fI0tUrcw47
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 26, 2023
John Kirby has no comment on Biden Pentagon official Ariane Tabatabai, who remains chief of staff for the office overseeing hostage negotiations despite being named as part of an Iranian influence operation pic.twitter.com/M8dDJfDqFK
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) October 26, 2023
Heinrich then questioned the president’s warning to the Ayatollah, wanting to know how it was delivered. Kirby refused to provide specifics, only stating that a direct message was relayed. Heinrich pressed further, asking why the injuries to U.S. troops weren’t disclosed until Tuesday. Kirby deflected the question, suggesting she ask the Pentagon.
Not satisfied with the lack of answers, Heinrich turned her attention to Ariane Tabatabai, a Pentagon official with alleged ties to the Iranian government. She criticized Tabatabai’s involvement in overseeing hostage negotiations, questioning the appropriateness of someone with such connections in such a role. Kirby, once again, evaded the question and directed Heinrich to the Defense Department.
It’s frustrating to witness the lack of transparency from Kirby and the White House, especially when it comes to the safety of our troops and the potential conflicts with Iran. The American people deserve to know what actions are being taken to protect our military personnel and why individuals with questionable ties to foreign governments are entrusted with critical responsibilities. The evasive answers only raise further concerns and reinforce the need for a more open and accountable administration.
