White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced criticism online after she left without responding to a reporter’s question about President Biden’s potential involvement in his son Hunter’s foreign business deals.
The allegations of Biden’s connection to his son’s business dealings were a major focus during Wednesday’s press briefing, especially after House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s announcement of a formal impeachment inquiry into the president. Despite Jean-Pierre’s repeated assertions that House Republicans presented “no evidence” linking the president to these matters, New York Post correspondent Steven Nelson highlighted polls indicating that a significant number of voters hold a different belief.
Nelson questioned, “Can you explain why the president interacted with so many of his son’s foreign business associates!? More than half of voters told CNN they believe the president was involved and he lied! You can’t have a response to that, Karine?”
Social media users took note of the press secretary’s consistent avoidance of questions regarding Hunter Biden, expressing frustration with her approach.
New York Post journalist and FOX News contributor Miranda Devine remarked, “Never an answer.”
Comedian Tim Young observed, “KJP runs away from questions about Biden working with Hunter’s business associates…And the fact that Americans believe Joe to be a complete liar…”
Former GOP Georgia Representative Bob Barr expressed his lament, stating, “This Administration is completely dysfunctional and corrupt, yet the mainstream media and Democrat Party blithely act or pretend it is a perfectly normal situation. And sadly, perhaps it is the ‘new normal.’”
The GOP’s official account countered the narrative, stating, “Joe Biden met with Hunter’s business associates on at least 16 different reported occasions. According to sworn testimony from Devon Archer, Hunter put then-VP Joe Biden on speakerphone on at least two dozen occasions during meetings.”
Karine Jean-Pierre has faced criticism for evading questions related to Hunter Biden. Observers have highlighted her shift in language, initially asserting that Biden never “discussed” business with his son and later stating that Biden has never “been in business” with his son. Some inquiries have elicited more confrontational responses from Jean-Pierre.
In June, Jean-Pierre responded sharply to Steven Nelson, stating, “It’s not up to you how I answer the question. I just answered the question by telling you my colleagues at the White House Counsel have dealt with this, and I would refer you to them.”
During Tuesday’s press briefing, Jean-Pierre again resisted Nelson’s continued pressing on her assertion that House Republicans found “no evidence” because Biden “didn’t do anything wrong.”
