Biden’s deputy press sec TJ Ducklo RESIGNS after ‘threatening reporter’ who asked about his fling with journalist
WHITE House deputy press secretary TJ Ducklo has resigned after he threatened to "destroy" a reporter who asked about his fling with a journalist.
confirmed the news on Saturday for reportedly subjecting Politico's Tara Palmeri to a shocking rant when she asked about his relationship with Axios reporter, Alexi McCammond.
"No words can express my regret, my embarrassment, and disgust for my behavior," Ducklo said.
"I used language that no woman should ever have to hear from anyone, especially in a situation where she was just trying to do her job."
Ducklo's resignation came as:
- WH after threat emerged
- Palmeri 'asked Ducklo about his '
- Ducklo allegedly told Palmeri: 'I will destroy you'
- McCammond was assigned to write about the campaign
- Ducklo's comments were condemned by Psaki
- Psaki said they're "committed" to meeting standards of respect
He added: "I am devastated to have embarrassed and disappointed my White House colleagues and President Biden.
"After a discussion with White House communications leadership tonight, I resigned my position and will not be returning from administrative leave."
from his role for a week without pay.
The press secretary's resignation came after Politico revealed , a reporter for the news outlet Axios.
McCammond was assigned to cover the Biden campaign and its transition.
People later in the week published a profile from Ducklo – who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in December 2019 – and McCammond, publicly acknowledging their relationship.
on Friday published a report alleging a reporter was threatened by Ducklo after asking about the couple's relationship.
Citing two unnamed sources, Vanity Fair reported allegations that Ducklo threatened Politico reporter Palmeri in an attempt to suppress the story.
He was alleged to have threatened her, saying: “I will destroy you."
Ducklo also allegedly accused Palmeri of being jealous of McCammond, because a past male wanted to 'f***' his partner - instead of her.
When asked about the alleged threatening remarks from Ducklo, condemned them, calling his response "completely unacceptable."
"It's completely unacceptable. He knows that - I've had conversations with him about that."
released a statement on Saturday night, confirming accepted Ducklo's resignation.
"This conversation occurred with the support of the White House Chief of Staff," Psaki said.
"We are committed to striving every day to meet the standard set by the President in treating others with dignity and respect, with civity and with a value for others through our words and our action.
Ducklo's bombshell resignation comes two months into Biden's administration.
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However, the president offered his own standard for the conduct he expects from his staff in comments he made during a virtual staff address the day he was sworn in.
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“If you ever work with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone, I will fire you on the spot," he warned. “No ifs, ands or buts."
Psaki said in a statement earlier on February 12 that Ducklo had been suspended without pay with the approval of White House chief of staff Ron Klain.
