Jen Psaki Swipes at Reporter Asking About Biden Admin’s China Strategy: I Don’t Appreciate You ‘Putting Words in My Mouth’

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki had a curt reply to a question Anita Kumar asked during the latest White House press briefing — accusing the Politico reporter of “putting words in my mouth” over the Biden administration’s China strategy.

When Psaki called on Kumar Tuesday afternoon, she was asked if President Joe Biden has scheduled a call yet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Psaki said the White House was still formulating its approach to China and did not have a call scheduled, but she promised to announce the details about those in the future.

“That sounds a lot like the strategy is not to talk to him at this time because you’re talking about speaking to allies and making other calls first,” Kumar responded. “Have they requested a call?”

“I don’t have anything more for you,” Psaki said. “I don’t appreciate the putting words in my mouth. That wasn’t what my effort was. What I was conveying is our strategy here, from the United States, which is to work with our partners and allies and determine what the right time is.”

Psaki continued her answered by saying America’s relationship with China will be “multi-layered” and that Biden is engaged with foreign policy matters on that front.

Later in the briefing, Psaki came back to Kumar for a question about Biden’s White House meeting with Republican senators on coronavirus relief negotiations. This exchange was more cordial as Psaki described the “robust” conversations that remain ongoing.

Watch above, via CNN.