African Journalist Simon Ateba Asks John Kirby Questions Others are Afraid to Ask

During the Friday, September 16th White House press briefing, an intriguing question came from one of the White House’s press correspondents. Cameroonian journalist Simon Ateba of Today News Africa asked White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby what his exact role is, which questions he should be asked, and if he was the “second press secretary” since he made regular appearances at White House press briefings. The question was a subtle accusation that Kirby was undermining and wanted to replace White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Ateba asked, “Can you explain exactly what your job is at the White House? And if you are the second Press Secretary, what type of questions should we ask you? Is it on food, is it on national security? And the reason I’m asking is because almost everywhere I go, I have black people telling me that the reason you are at the White House is to undermine the first female black secretary. So can you clarify that and explain why?” Ateba added.

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According to reports, the question caused some obvious excitement within the press room. It was almost typical for Ateba as a journalist who has gained a reputation for demanding his voice be heard and asking challenging questions when given the opportunity.

“If anyone gets any kind of idea in their head that I’m taking away from Karine or her work that’s really regrettable,” Kirby responded to Ateba. “And I’m very sorry that that’s any impression that anybody would have. I am simply working at the National Security Council on national security communications — and with her good graces, I’m able to come up here every now and then to talk to you about simply national security issues,” Kirby continued.

“That’s my portfolio. That’s where I’m limited. That’s where I’ll stay. And I do it at her invitation and with her approval to come up here.” According to reports Kirby allegedly looked annoyed by the question. He reportedly makes regular appearances at White House press briefings, having previously clashed with Ateba on August 4th, and telling him to have more respect when asking questions.

Karine Jean-Pierre is the first black person, first LQBTQ+ person, and immigrant to become the White House Press Secretary after she assumed the role in May. Jean-Pierre was born in Martinique to Haitian parents.

According to reports, she has done her job well considering the critiques she has received. Reports indicate that Kirby and White House communications director Kate Bedingfield was seen in media circles as the likely replacement for former press secretary Jen Psaki.