Chris Lange, FISM News
A senior staffer for Vice President Kamala Harris announced her resignation this week following a brutal CNN exposé on the embattled VP and reports of growing tensions in the White House between her staffers and President Joe Biden’s team. White House officials confirmed to Fox News on Thursday that Harris’ communications director, Ashley Etienne, will be exiting her role next month.
“Ashley is a valued member of the vice president’s team, who has worked tirelessly to advance the goals of this administration,” said a spokesperson for the White House. “She is leaving the office in December to pursue other opportunities.”
Etienne tweeted her enthusiasm about working for the VP shortly after the Biden-Harris 2020 inauguration, saying she felt “blessed” to work with the “phenomenal history-maker.” She previously worked in the Obama administration and served as top adviser to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), twice as her communications chief.
Her departure comes just days after CNN published a blistering report citing multiple White House sources who say the vice president’s “entrenched dysfunction and lack of focus” has infuriated the Biden team. Insiders also told CNN reporters that Harris is unhappy with her treatment and “no-win” project assignments.
Harris is purportedly most frustrated with her appointment as Biden’s “border czar,” forcing her to become the face of the unmitigated chaos at the U.S.-Mexico border resulting in the detainment of a record-breaking 1.7 million illegal immigrants during the 2021 fiscal year alone. In recent weeks, she has seen her poll numbers tank to just below 28 percent approval. The VP has also been widely panned for numerous cringeworthy television appearances and her awkward tendency to laugh in response to questions about serious topics.
Reports of staff tensions continue to plague Harris, dating back to her 2020 presidential campaign, including accusations of “appalling treatment” by aides. She withdrew from the race prior to the Iowa caucus amid single-digit favorability in the polls.
Following publication of the CNN piece, White House officials rushed to Harris’ defense, some of whom dismissed the report with accusations of misogyny and racism. White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Wednesday said unfavorable coverage of Harris is based on the fact that she is the first woman and first woman of color to serve as vice president.
“It’s a lot to have on your shoulders,” Psaki said.
During an appearance on ABC News last week, Harris laughed when George Stephanopoulos, referring to the article, asked whether she feels “misused or underused” by the Biden administration.