After a year of clashes with White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Today News Africa reporter Simon Ateba says he doesn’t know how he managed to “sustain” his “strength.”
For his tireless pursuit of truth in the face of what he says is discrimination on the part of KJP, Fox News guest host Tulsi Gabbard announced on Friday that Ateba, a native of Cameroon, is the “Tucker Carlson Tonight” Winner of 2022.
(Video: Fox News)
“To the people of the show, Simon is a hero and inspiration,” Gabbard said. “Simon is the Tucker Carlson Tonight Winner of 2022. He’s Africa’s hardest-hitting and most prominent reporter.”
The tension between Jean-Pierre and Ateba in the Briefing Room has played out on numerous occasions, with the press sec frequently ignoring his questions or storming away from the podium.
Gabbard highlighted one exchange in which questions from the determined journalist led Jean-Pierre to abruptly end the briefing.
“I am done, Simon,” Jean-Pierre snapped. “I’m done. Simon, I’m done with you right now.”
Abeta joined Gabbard to accept his award, saying the recognition from “the most watched” show in the States is “like winning the World Cup.”
“I’ve got to say, the noble profession of journalism has been hijacked by a lot of people who seem to care more about clicks and being invited to fancy White House parties than they do about actually asking real questions and holding the powerful accountable,” Gabbard said. “I’m curious to know what drew you to journalism. Where do you find fulfillment in your job?”
For Ateba, his commitment to the profession is clearly a matter of passion over profit.
He’s been subjecting himself to Jean-Pierre’s abuse for free.
White House so-called 'press secretary' Karine Jean-Pierre shuts down Simon Ateba after asking Dr. Anthony FAUCI about the origins of COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/wk3BakpEnK
— Martin Golobic (@martinggmartin) November 23, 2022
“It’s been hard covering the White House,” Ateba admitted. “I don’t know how I was able to sustain my strength. I have worked really hard, even without money. I have not received a salary for the past three years, but I kept doing my job because I believe it’s a place between – a place of strength in the relationship between the U.S. and Africa.”
Pressing the press secretary continues to motivate him, despite what he says are her discriminating ways.
“As you know, we focus on U.S. and Africa relations, and I believe I find fulfillment by doing the right thing, when I asked her a question, what I seek the truth when I continue to push Karine Jean-Pierre, who has discriminated against me for months now,” he said.
“I find fulfillment when I continue to push, ask the right question and make sure the American people and the African people also get to have the answers they deserve,” he added.
When it comes to Jean-Pierre, Ateba has a proven track record of pushing all the right buttons.
In May, Ateba asked Jean-Pierre why so many black people are leaving the Biden administration. Rather than answer, she rudely rolled her eyes and walked away.
As she left the Briefing Room, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refused to answer a question from Today's News Africa's Simon Ateba about this Politico story from @DLippman (https://t.co/QxfXNNuDJ8) about the wave of Black staffers leaving the administration pic.twitter.com/L7UDKfMqqI
— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) May 31, 2022
But Ateba remains undaunted.
“I went into journalism because I wanted to make a difference,” he told Gabbard, “and I am happy to be here.”
Republished with permission from American Wire News Service
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