An ethics group has sent a letter to White House counsel Dana Remus this week, speaking out against the recent remarks by press secretary Jen Psaki about a Fox News correspondent Steve Doocy.
Furthermore, the Protect the Public’s Trust stated in their letter that reports of Psaki departing the administration to work for another network should result in her comments toward Doocy being a violation of ethical codes.
“The appearance of a conflict of interest risks further damaging the already low level of public trust in government,” the letter read, which Barrett Media obtained.
“In order to restore public trust and live up to Ms. Psaki’s own commitment to transparency and engagement, we are calling upon you to investigate whether Ms. Psaki violated her ethical duties, either in her remarks regarding Fox News or in her conduct while negotiating non-federal employment more generally.”
The ethics group also states that Psaki is engaging in a conflict of interest for having discussions with a cable news network job while still serving as press secretary. Psaki is expected to join MSNBC when she departs the White House next month.
During an episode of “Pod Save America” last week, Psaki was asked if Doocy was a “stupid son of a b—h” or if he played one on TV.
“OK, um, well. He works for a network,” Psaki said, “that provides people with questions that, nothing personal to any individual, including Peter Doocy, but might make anyone sound like a stupid son of a b—h.”
Eduardo Razo is the Assistant Content Editor for BNM, which includes writing daily news stories on the news media industry. He can be found on Twitter @eddierazo_ or you can reach him by email at eddie1991razo@gmail.com.
