(SQAUK) – Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki faces criticism over claims made in her new book, “Say More.” The book addresses an incident involving President Joe Biden allegedly checking his watch during a ceremony for soldiers killed during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
According to reports, Psaki’s account in the book suggests that President Biden looked at his watch only after the ceremony had concluded. This statement has been met with skepticism and has been contradicted by fact-checks and on-the-record statements from Gold Star families who were present at the event.
The issue gained attention after Axios reported on the differences between Psaki’s version of events and the accounts of Gold Star families. The Associated Press photographer at the ceremony took two photos of Biden looking at his watch ten minutes apart. Fact-checkers at USA Today and Snopes have taken note of this.
Gold Star family members have consistently stated in interviews and congressional testimonies that Biden checked his watch as the caskets were being transferred. One such account comes from Mark Schmitz, father of Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz expressed his frustration during a congressional hearing in August 2023.
In response to the backlash, Psaki has indicated that the details regarding the exact number of times Biden looked at his watch will be removed in future reprints and the e-book version of “Say More.” She also emphasized that the broader narrative of the book focuses on the importance of delivering feedback, even when it is challenging, through her experience of conveying to President Biden that the grieving families did not receive his personal story of loss well.
The White House has chosen not to comment on the matter. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing, with various perspectives shared across media platforms and social networks.
