What communicators can learn from the White House press secretary

President Joe Biden has said a free and independent press is essential to democracy, a far cry from Donald Trump’s demonization of professional journalists as “enemy of the people.” On his first day in office, Biden also said he would fire anyone on his staff who acted disrespectfully toward colleagues “on the spot.”

Those values were in stark contrast with reality last week, as it was revealed that TJ Ducklo, then the White House deputy press secretary, had threatened to “destroy” a reporter.

Less than a month into the new administration, White House press secretary Jen Psaki has demonstrated a measured approach to crises. As one of the most scrutinized publicists in the world, her statements, mistakes and decisions provide valuable lessons for communications professionals.

“This was so egregious, they had to let Ducklo loose,” says Nicky Lanyi, former journalist and crisis communications executive who now conducts media training for Ragan Consulting Group. “Initial suspension is what they wanted to do because they like him and wanted to keep him around. When it was clear there was a big backlash, they quickly adjusted and cut their losses.”

Here’s the back story.