White House press secretary Jen Psaki waffled Friday when grilled on TJ Ducklo’s one-week suspension for threatening a journalist — even though President Biden has vowed to fire his aides “on the spot” for harassment.
Psaki said the remarks from Ducklo — who threatened to “destroy” Politico reporter Tara Palmeri for reporting about his personal relationship — were “completely unacceptable” but refused to address why he wasn’t outright fired.
“We felt it was a serious punishment,” Psaki told reporters at a White House press briefing.
Biden’s zero-tolerance promise came as he swore in his appointees on Inauguration Day.
“I am not joking when I say this, if you are ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect … talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot,” he said at the time. “On the spot. No ifs, ands or buts. Everybody is entitled to be treated with decency and dignity. That’s been missing in a big way the last four years.”
Ducklo was suspended without pay for a week over his tirade to Palmeri, to whom he’s also apologized. When he returns, he will no longer be assigned to work with Politico reporters.
https://nypost.com/2021/02/12/jen-psaki-stumbles-when-grilled-over-tj-ducklos-suspension/
Biden Aide Threatens Female Reporter — ''‘I Will Destroy You’''
FEBRUARY 12, 2021NATALIE WINTERS
https://thenationalpulse.com/breaking/biden-aide-threatens-female-reporter/