CBS News is in “turmoil” after network executives decided to hire former Trump official Mick Mulvaney, to “gain ‘access’ ahead of a ‘likely’ Democratic midterm wipeout,” a network official was caught on tape admitting, according to The Washington Post.
The news outlet came under fire again on Friday after its senior White House and political correspondent, Ed O’Keefe, asked Biden administration Press Secretary Jen Psaki if it is unethical for her to continue in her current role after an Axios news report revealed she has been in talks for a gig at MSNBC.
“Is it ethical for you to continue conducting this job while negotiating with a media outlet?” O’Keefe asked Psaki inside the White House briefing room.
“I have always gone above the stringent legal and ethical requirements of the Biden administration,: Psaki responded. “I take that very seriously. And as a standard for every federal employee.”
“I have received rigorous ethics counseling as it relates to any future employment,” she added. She said she has also “taken steps to recuse myself as appropriate.”
Axios earlier Friday reported Psaki would be leaving for a job at MSNBC this spring, but made very clear she is working with the White House counsel’s office to ensure she does not violate any ethics laws and has not formalized any plans.
Blowback was swift: