A House Democrat slammed White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre for her “weak” answer to a question on anti-Semitism in the United States.
After a reporter on Monday asked whether the White House was concerned about “a potential rise of anti-Semitism in light of everything that’s going on in Israel,” Jean-Pierre replied with an answer that downplayed the threat of anti-Semitism and focused on threats to Muslims and Palestinians.
“Look, we have not seen any credible threats,” Jean-Pierre said before reading from a pre-scripted answer. “Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks. … Many of our Muslim, Arab Americans, and Palestinian-American loved ones and neighbors are worried about the hate being directed at their community.”
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D., Fl.) called out the answer on the social media site X, calling it “weak.”
“What a weak answer,” Moskowitz said. “And why are you looking in the book? What’s the approved answer? The simple answer is yes, you are concerned about the rise of antisemitism. Of course we are also worried about hatred against Muslim Americans. Must do better.”
What a weak answer. And why are you looking in the book? What’s the approved answer? The simple answer is yes, you are concerned about the rise of antisemitism. Of course we are also worried about hatred against Muslim Americans. Must do better. https://t.co/RdYhPTFpHa
After the Democrat and others piled on the press secretary, she clarified on X that Biden is “very concerned” about anti-Semitism.
“To be clear: the President and our team are very concerned about a rise in antisemitism, especially after the horrific Hamas terrorist attack in Israel,” Jean-Pierre said.