WATCH: Karine Jean-Pierre frustrated as Peter Doocy asks her why Trump is called a 'threat' to democracy

Peter Doocy said that Donald Trump is targeted despite the recent assassination attempt near his West Palm Beach golf course
PUBLISHED SEP 17, 2024
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy ticked off  White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on questioning Donald Trump's 'threat' label (Getty Images)
Fox News reporter Peter Doocy ticked off White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre on questioning Donald Trump's 'threat' label (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre expressed frustration during a press conference after Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy pressed her on why Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, continue to use the term "threat" to describe Donald Trump.

Doocy said that the former president is targeted despite the recent assassination attempt near his West Palm Beach golf course.



 

Peter Doocy challenges Karine Jean-Pierre over Donald Trump's comments

Two months after Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania, he was reportedly the target of another gunman.

The would-be assassin Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly hid near Trump's golf course for 12 hours, waiting to take a shot at the former president.

(Ryan Routh/ Facebook)
The would-be assassin Ryan Wesley Routh allegedly hid near Trump's golf course for 12 hours, waiting to take a shot at the former president (Ryan Routh/ Facebook)

"It’s been only two days since somebody allegedly tried to kill Donald Trump again, and you’re here at the podium of the White House briefing room calling him a ‘threat,’” Doocy confronted Jean-Pierre.

He then asked, “How many more assassination attempts on Donald Trump until the president, the vice president, and you pick a different word to describe Trump other than ‘threat’?”



 

Karine Jean-Pierre defends calling Donald Trump a 'threat'

In response, Karine Jean-Pierre pushed back on Peter Doocy's question, stating, “Peter, I actually completely disagree with the premise of your question."

"The question that you’re asking, it is also incredibly dangerous in the way that you’re asking it,” she said, adding that “the American people are watching” while noting that the administration has consistently condemned political violence.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 12: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre speaks during a press br
Karine Jean-Pierre pushed back on Peter Doocy’s question, stating, 'Peter … I actually completely disagree with the premise of your question' (Getty Images)

Jean-Pierre also reminded Doocy that Biden had expressed relief that Trump was unharmed after the alleged attack. “For you to make that comment in your questioning … that is also incredibly dangerous,” she said.

Jean-Pierre stood by her characterization of Trump as a “threat,” citing the events of January 6. She told Doocy, “What I have said about the former president about January 6 is facts," New York Post reported. 

Karine Jean-Pierre scolds Peter Doocy for his line of questioning

She continued by noting that the rioters at the Capitol that day were there “because the former president told them to go there,” describing it as “one of the darkest days of our democracy.”

Jean-Pierre further elaborated that the White House did not label Trump as a "threat" without reason.

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 06: A large group of pro-Trump protesters stand on the East steps of the Ca
Karine Jean-Pierre continued by noting that the rioters at the Capitol that day were there 'because the former president told them to go there,' describing it as 'one of the darkest days of our democracy' (Getty Images)

"We have examples,” she said, before repeating “January 6” three more times, Daily Wire noted.

She went on to admonish Doocy for the way he framed his question. “We also have to be careful on how you’re asking me these questions," she said.

"People are watching and what you were saying about us raising political violent rhetoric, whatever, however you just formulated it — this is an administration that has to denounce and condemn any type of political rhetoric or violence," Jean-Pierre added.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Bannon exchange shows disgraced financier weighing removal of Fed chief and WH staff
1 hour ago
US downs aggressive Iranian drone near carrier, Trump keeps diplomacy on table
3 hours ago
Leavitt defended administration's mandate for mass deportations and called for 'common sense'
3 hours ago
Bill ends brief shutdown, funds most agencies through September amid DHS, immigration fights
4 hours ago
GOP ekes out razor-thin win to advance funding package after leadership flips holdouts
5 hours ago
Top Republican warns federalizing elections raises constitutional issues as Johnson signals openness
5 hours ago
Johnson accused Democrats of 'obstructing' as he predicted GOP unity to pass the $1.2T funding rule
7 hours ago
House conservatives shelve SAVE Act push, clearing path for funding bill without rule changes
9 hours ago
Sanders urged Congress to debate a permanent national interest cap, arguing unchecked rates trap working families in debt despite rare agreement with Trump
16 hours ago
When it comes to fundraising, the RNC raised $172 million in 2025 while the DNC brought in $145 million
17 hours ago