‘Devastated’ Psaki Announces Deputy Press Secretary Has Resigned After Being Rude to Reporter

Yesterday, we reported that President Biden’s Press Secretary Jen Psaki released a statement on Twitter regarding her Deputy, TJ Ducklo, after he responded to a Politico reporter asking for a comment in a “rude and sexist” way and had been suspended without pay for one week. 

It appeared to be the end of the matter, but apparently, with pressure mounting, it was announced tonight that Ducklo has resigned his position.

In a statement, Psaki said “We accepted the resignation of TJ Ducklo after a discussion with him this evening. This conversation occurred with the support of the White House Chief of Staff.”

“We are committed to striving every day to meet the standard set by the President in treating others with dignity and respect, with civility and with a value for others through our words and our actions,” Psaki added.

Columnist with The Hill, Joe Concha, noted, “Psaki was aware of the Palmeri harassment for 3 weeks and did nothing.”

Additionally, he said, “Psaki, along with senior aide Anita Dunn, was made aware of Ducklo’s sexist tirade on Jan. 21. Only after the Vanity Fair story on Feb 12 did Psaki/the administration act because they had to. Without the VF story, nothing happens here. This accountably statement is laughable.”

Psaki, along with senior aide Anita Dunn, was made aware of Ducklo’s sexist tirade on Jan. 21. Only after the Vanity Fair story on Feb 12 did Psaki/the administration act because they had to. Without the VF story, nothing happens here. This accountably statement is laughable.

— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) February 14, 2021

In a statement of his own, Ducklo said, ““I am devastated to have embarrassed and disappointed my White House colleagues and President Biden, and after a discussion with White House communications leadership tonight, I resigned my position and will not be returning from administrative leave.”

“I know this was terrible. I know I can’t take it back. But I also know I can learn from it and do better. This incident is not representative of who I am as a person and I will be determined to earn back the trust of everyone I have let down because of my intolerable actions,” Ducklo insisted.

It is a stunning fall from grace for the Deputy Press Secretary, who had setup a government account when he began the job and tweeted, “New president. New handle. Throw me a follow: @tducklo46 #team46.”

New president.

New handle.

Throw me a follow: @tducklo46 #Team46

— TJ Ducklo (@TDucklo) January 20, 2021