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Jen Psaki Schools Fox News Reporter About First Amendment After He Criticizes Olympian's Protest

John Sundholm
Jun. 29, 2021
wh.gov

Another day, another zinger from White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki.

And this time, all she had to do was cite the First Amendment.

Fox News reporter Peter Doocy attempted to "gotcha" Psaki at today's White House press conference by asking about Olympian Gwen Barry's protest at a recent event.

Unfortunately for him, the unflappable Psaki was ready with the perfect answer--and a quick civics lesson too. You can see her response below.

Doocy, it seems, is among the many conservatives who are outraged over Barry, who ignited a firestorm on the right after she turned her back on the American flag during the National Anthem at an Olympic qualifying event. Barry, who is Black, has been an outspoken activist for racial justice throughout her athletic career.

Seemingly attempting to use Barry to trap Psaki into painting Democratic President Joe Biden as unpatriotic, Doocy asked if Biden felt Barry's behavior was "appropriate... for someone who hopes to represent Team USA?"

Psaki did not take the bait for even a moment. First, she clarified the nature of Biden's patriotism.

"I haven't spoken to the President specifically about this. But I know he's incredibly proud to be an American, and has great respect for the anthem, and all that it represents especially for our men and women serving in uniform all around the world.

And then she hit Doocy with the civics lesson he clearly slept through in high school.

"He would also say of course that part of that pride in our country means recognizing there are moments where we are as a country haven't lived up to our highest ideals, and it means respecting the right of people, granted to them in the constitution to peacefully protest."

Any other questions, Mr. Doocy?

On Twitter, people loved Psaki's subtle, straight-to-the-point clap back.







And they had no love for Peter Doocy, who's made a habit of ineptly trying to outsmart Psaki.




As for Barry, she earned her spot on the U.S. Olympic team at the event at which she protested. Her fellow teammate DeAnna Price has said she's "proud" of Barry for protesting the anthem.