“[W]hy do you need to have that information?”
QUICK FACTS:
- White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Friday refused to release the number of COVID-19 infections among vaccinated staff.
- A reporter had challenged Psaki at a press briefing for not releasing information about breakthrough Covid cases among White House staffers.
- One aide tested positive earlier last week.
- Coronavirus infections among the vaccinated are known as “breakthrough cases.”
THE EXCHANGE:
- “Why not just provide the number? Are you trying to hide something?” the reporter asked.
- “Why do you need to have that information?” Psaki responded.
- “Transparency, in the interest of the public, having a better understanding of how breakthrough cases work here in the White House,” the reporter said.
BACKGROUND:
- A White House official and a staff member for Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California had tested positive for COVID-19, according to Newsweek.
- Both of the staffers were vaccinated.
- The White House announced Wednesday it would be changing its COVID-19 disclosure policy and will now announce positive tests among officials who come into contact with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, or their spouses.
