Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized a reporter’s foreign accent and called for prioritizing American media. New White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt received praise for her performance. The incident reignited discussions about DEI policies in federal agencies. As always the outspoken representative Sparks reactions from both sides of the aisle.
Greene’s Controversial Stance on Foreign Media
During a recent White House press briefing, U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene made waves with her comments regarding foreign media presence. The Georgia Republican expressed her opinion that American media should be given priority in these sessions, going so far as to suggest that foreign press should be removed entirely.
Greene’s remarks came in response to a question posed by a reporter with a foreign accent. The congresswoman’s reaction was swift and controversial, as she stated:
When I was first elected to Congress in 2020, I came to Washington with the naive belief that you could actually make a change, that you could balance a budget.
The reality is, putting America First is difficult in Washington.
It’s a place that puts foreign nations before our… pic.twitter.com/hwH3POyUry
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) October 11, 2024
Praise for New Press Secretary Amid Controversy
The press briefing in question also marked a notable performance by the new White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt. Her handling of questions, particularly those related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in federal agencies, drew praise from Greene and other conservatives.
Leavitt’s response to a question about DEI in aviation hiring practices was particularly well-received by those critical of such policies. She stated:
“When you are flying on an airplane with your loved ones, do you pray that your plane lands safely and gets you to your destination or do you pray that your pilot has a certain skin color? I think we all know the answer to that question.”
Full support this.
Throw the foreign press out of this country. https://t.co/9xCMvtNmvC— Caleb Woods (@CalebWoodsOK) February 1, 2025
Reactions and Fallout
Greene’s comments have elicited a range of responses from her colleagues and the public. Some conservative allies have defended her stance as a necessary pushback against what they perceive as an overemphasis on DEI policies in federal agencies. They argue that merit and skills should be the primary considerations in hiring, particularly in critical sectors like aviation.
However, Greene’s remarks have also faced significant criticism. Many have condemned her comments as xenophobic and an attack on press freedom. Critics argue that international journalism plays a crucial role in U.S. affairs and that Greene’s nationalist rhetoric undermines this important function.
The incident has reignited discussions about press access and the role of international media in Washington, D.C. It has also forced both parties to navigate the fallout while the debate over DEI’s role in federal hiring practices continues to unfold.
As the controversy continues to develop, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact future press briefings and the broader conversation about media representation and diversity in federal agencies.
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