People are fleeing former VP Joe Biden’s White House in droves because of low morale, lengthy hours, and poor pay. In a matter of weeks, almost two-thirds of President Joe Biden’s press office has retired from their jobs. These people are essential to Biden’s efforts to get his messages out to the American people as well as explaining how he wants the nation to recover from COVID-19, the epidemic that began under his predecessor.
During one press briefing, Karine Jean-Pierre, the new White House Press Secretary, made a joke about the job turnover rate. She came out to talk about her department’s turnover rate with the media and assured Americans that Biden would maintain a press office even though they’ve been losing staff lately.
“I promise we will have a press shop,” she stated. “Not everyone is leaving.”
Many people have left their positions in the White House recently, but there are just as many people eager to take their place and make a difference. These new Washington D.C. aides are part of a generation that is passionate about change and making the world a better place.
When asked about the status of Biden’s 2020 campaign, White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders confirmed that Biden will be traveling to New York City next month for a fundraiser. Inadvertently, Sanders then mentioned the “sad news” that rapid response director Mike Gwin was departing the press department for a new job in Biden’s Treasury Department. The new press secretary called Gwin an “indispensable” member of the team who will be greatly missed now that he has secured another position.
“I know he’s moving on to bigger and better things and only wish him the best at Treasury,” she stated.
Michael Kikukawa is another individual leaving the press shop for Biden’s Treasury Department; however, he will be serving as a spokesman for the Treasury, which is an excellent opportunity in his career. Although Jean-Pierre was complimentary of Kikukawa on his way out, calling him “the strong engine and reliable engine at the press shop” with a “relentless work ethic and dedication to the mission of this team have been second to none.”
The White House sees some turnover like any other organization, but they also gain new blood. Recently, Mechelle Smith was announced as a deputy press secretary. Smith is an Obama administration veteran who served as the communications director for then-Vice President Biden. Plus, she worked on his 2020 presidential campaign.
“Mechelle is a trusted advisor and good friend to the Biden family, and we are thrilled to have her on board as part of the White House Communications team,” Jean-Pierre stated. “Her wealth of experience will be an invaluable asset to our operation as we continue working around the clock to keep the American people informed about the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to get this pandemic under control and build our country back better.”
