White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre attempted an April Fools’ joke with reporters by claiming President Biden planned to revoke the Hatch Act, allowing her to take questions about the 2024 election.
However, the journalists responded with sarcasm and “no’s” rather than laughter at the joke.
“So, I have something at the top for all of you, and I think you’ll be really interested in this,” she said. “So, President Biden is scheduled to announce he is revoking the Hatch Act so as a gift to all of you — so, now I can actually take all your questions about 2024.”
“No? I thought you would love that,” she said.
“No,” reporters said.
“All right. OK. April Fools,” she said.
When one offered praise, Jean-Pierre acknowledged it was meant in a “slick” way.
The New York Post criticized the failed prank, noting Jean-Pierre herself had been warned previously for violating the Hatch Act.
“That’s a pretty good one,” one person said.
Jean-Pierre said, “Thank you, I thought it was pretty slick of me.”
