Washington: The White House on Friday suspended Deputy Press Secretary TJ Ducklo for a week without pay after allegedly threatening to “destroy” a female reporter who was asking questions about his private life.
Sources say that Mr Ducklo reportedly threatened Politico reporter Tara Palmeri, who was investigating his relationship with another journalist, a BBC report said.
White House press secretary Jen Pskai said on Friday that Mr Ducklo later apologised to Ms Palmeri.
However, some observers criticised President Joe Biden for failing to take stronger action who had previously said he would fire “on the spot” any staff speaking disrespectfully to colleagues.
The suspension of Mr Ducklo came after Vanity Fair magazine reported on his alleged threats to Ms Palmeri.
The Politico reporter had been investigating Mr Ducklo’s relationship with Alexi McCammond, a journalist with Axios who had covered Mr Biden’s election campaign.
He allegedly rang her and said: “I will destroy you”. He also made other derogatory and misogynistic comments, Vanity Fair reported.
