Karine Jean-Pierre Offers ‘Moral Clarity’ on Anti-Semitic Threats Day After Comments Sparked Confusion
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre sought to clarify herself after being scrutinized for her muddled conflation of anti-semitism and hatred toward Muslims.
On Monday, Jean-Pierre held a press briefing where she was asked if President Joe Biden was concerned about the potential rise of anti-semitism in light of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. The press secretary answered “we have not seen any credible threats,” but then she seemed focus less on anti-semitism and more on recent hatred toward Muslims and Arabs.
From Jean-Pierre on Monday:
Muslims and those perceived to be Muslim have endured a disproportionate number of hate-fueled attacks. And certainly President Biden understands that many of our Muslim, Arab Americans and Palestinian American loved ones and neighbors are worried about the hate being directed at their communities. And that is something you heard the President speak to in his address last Thursday.
And so, one of the things that the President has done is directed his team — Homeland Security team to prioritize prevention and disruption of any emerging threats that could harm the Jewish, the Muslim, Arab Americans or — or any other communities. And that is something that the President has sought to do since Day One.
As you know, the President ran on protecting communities… And so that is something that the President takes very, very seriously. we’re going to continue to denounce any sort of hate towards any American here. And so, that’s what we’re going to continue to be steadfast on.
A bipartisan host of critics were displeased with how Jean-Pierre digressed from the question when it dealt primarily with hatred and violence toward Jews.
Jean-Pierre wound up responding to Yashar Ali’s critiques on X — formerly known as Twitter — by saying, “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.”
On Tuesday, Jean-Pierre led her briefing by offering “moral clarity” that anti-semitism, and bigotry in general, would not be tolerated.
I want to make something clear at the top, because I understand how important moral clarity is, especially at this time.
So when Jews are targeted because of their beliefs or their identity, when Israel is singled out because of anti-Jewish hatred, that is anti-semitism, and that is unacceptable.
There is no place for antisemitism. Full stop. Period. This is important to the president. It’s important to me personally and to everyone in the administration. Following the Hamas terror attacks in Israel, which were the deadliest for Jews since the Holocaust. The president has been consistent and clear. We must all do our part and forcefully, forcefully speak out against anti-semitism. And we must ensure that there is no place for hate in America. Not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against Arab-Americans, not against Palestinian Americans. Not against anyone.
Watch above.
