In a recent White House press briefing, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre found herself in a tense exchange with Simon Ateba, a reporter for Today News Africa. The incident led to Jean-Pierre abruptly exiting the briefing, marking another instance of discord between the two.
The confrontation was initiated when Ateba pressed to ask a follow-up question on Angola, following the visit of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço to the White House. Despite Ateba’s insistence, Jean-Pierre chose to ignore his request and moved on to a different reporter.
Ateba expressed his discontent at being overlooked, stating, “It is so surprising that you don’t take — you are receiving an African leader, but you can’t take a question from an African journalist.”
"You don't take questions from me."
KJP throws a fit and ends the press conference after an African journalist demanded to be called on. pic.twitter.com/maQ6TohZN9
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) November 30, 2023
Jean-Pierre responded by suggesting they could end the briefing then and there if respect was not maintained. As Ateba continued to voice his concerns, Jean-Pierre made the decision to conclude the briefing prematurely. She collected her notes and exited the podium, curtly thanking everyone present.
This incident follows a previous heated clash between Ateba and Jean-Pierre, during which the White House threatened to revoke Ateba’s press privileges. In June, Ateba criticized Jean-Pierre for not allowing him to ask any questions during a briefing. Jean-Pierre responded by calling Ateba “incredibly rude” and threatening to end the press briefing if he didn’t stop interrupting.
