The exodus of staff from the White House continued this week amid reports that President Joe Biden is frustrated that his message is not getting out — and at one point reportedly reminded people around him that he’s still the president.
White House Rapid Response Director Mike Gwin and White House press assistant Michael Kikukawa are both leaving to serve in public affairs at the U.S. Treasury, which is having its own problem in explaining soaring inflation.
“On a sad note, our dear friend and colleague Michael Gwin will be leaving us for Treasury, where he will serve as deputy assistant secretary for Public Affairs,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre announced. “Gwin has served as the White House director of Rapid Response for the past 16 months, responding to the most challenging and difficult issues imaginable. Yet amidst these often emotionally wrenching stories, Gwin’s poise and moral clarity are unfailing, and his willingness and ability to step up has made him an indispensable member of the team.”
Biden lost his main spokesperson, Jen Psaki, last month when she departed for a job at MSNBC. The White House last week also announced that assistant press secretary Vedant Patel is moving to the State Department press office and the White House’s press office chief of staff Amanda Finney is moving to the Energy Department.
The sudden departure of a slew of press staffers comes after three reports by mainstream media outlets cataloged dysfunction and turmoil in the White House.
