Watch Karine Jean-Pierre shut down reporter for interrupting as she addresses Ohio ‘pet-eating’ rumors

LOS ANGELES,CALIFORNIA: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was unflinching during a press briefing as she confronted Newsmax reporter James Rosen for interrupting her.

The briefing on Friday, September 13, addressed a troubling rumor about Springfield, Ohio, which has been spread by far-right social media accounts and even cited by former president Donald Trump in his September 10 debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

Karine Jean-Pierre condemns attack on 'vulnerable communities'

During the presidential debate with Kamala Harris, Donald Trump claimed that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohion were “eating the dogs” and “eating the cats".

"And this is what’s happening in our country, and it’s a shame," he added.

This false claim about Haitian immigrants eating pets has been pushed by Republicans and far-right commentators despite the city officials denying these claims.

These rumors have led to serious repercussions like closure of Springfield schools and bomb threats sent to town officials, filled with “hateful language towards immigrants and Haitians in [the] community".

Jean-Pierre condemned the spread of such misinformation, declaring, “Political leaders should not be attacking vulnerable communities. That’s not who we should be. And if they’re gonna fall for conspiracy theories online, maybe they shouldn’t be our leaders.”

She added that the rhetoric was “dangerous” and “puts people’s lives at risk".

"I take it personally when any community, any vulnerable community, is attacked — not just — not just a community that I belong to, and proudly belong to, but any community — any vulnerable community that is attacked wrongfully so in a hateful way," she said.

"We condemn that type of hateful language. That’s what I’m going to continue to do, and I get to do that on behalf of President Biden, who also condemns that type of hateful rhetoric, as you have heard him today and many times before when a vulnerable community is attacked."

Karine Jean-Pierre responds firmly to James Rosen’s interruptions

As Karine Jean-Pierre was about to address another reporter, James Rosen interrupted with a question: “Are there any invulnerable communities?”

Jean-Pierre did not hesitate to make her stance clear.

She responded firmly, “It’s not funny,” and instructed him to wait. Despite Rosen’s continued interjections, Jean-Pierre maintained control, stating, “Hold on, wait! Hold on. It’s not funny.”

When Rosen persisted, she added, “Wait, no! It is not—” and continued to assert, “I’m answering! Let me answer.”

Rosen tried to interject again, Jean-Pierre cut him off decisively, “Not everybody wants to hear the sound of your voice, Sir. Give me a second and I will tell you my answer. It’s not funny.”

Internet lauds Karine Jean-Pierre’s firm response

Following the intense exchange during the press briefing, public reaction was swift and supportive of Karine Jean-Pierre’s handling of the situation.

One user wrote, "They can't pass this off as a joke. It is dangerous and it is not funny!"

Another user added, "Well done, #KarineJeanPierre. Youn are on your way to becoming one of the great #WhiteHouse@PressSec."

One replied, "She's good. Put that rude reporter in his place."

Another user added, "Democrats have the very best press secretaries."

One said, "Love her. She puts up with a lot and does it eloquently and with class. She has more patience than I would have with the press corps."

Another person stated, "She is wonderful! Listen to her!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.