Over the past few weeks, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer‘s time on camera has noticeably shrunk—but White House counselor Steve Bannon has suggested his waistline has done the opposite.
With Spicer reportedly on the outs with President Donald Trump, the White House has switched a great number of on-camera briefings to off-camera gaggles—a move that has upset the White House Press Corps, who believe the administration is trying to restrict access to information. In an article about the matter for the Atlantic, Bannon spoke with Rosie Gray and gave another reason for the switch-up.
It’s not about restricting a free press. No, not at all. Sean Spicer is no longer on camera only because he gained weight.
When asked why press briefings are now held off camera, Steve Bannon said "Sean got fatter." Pathetic & undemocratic https://t.co/sVM1R5iH9e pic.twitter.com/LkwFfQDhlm
— Brian Klaas (@brianklaas) June 20, 2017
Even though Sean Spicer has been Twitter’s punching bag for the better part of half a year, he’s been their punching bag, and they rallied to his defense.
https://twitter.com/clinton_ngn/status/877145902053552129
@realDonaldTrump – Your little minion Bannon is a joke (and a racist). Sean Spicer got fat? Has he looked at you or in the mirror?
— Patricia Moser (@mosercounty) June 20, 2017
When you have to click to see if it's real (it is) https://t.co/lmFvratdSE
— Amanda Katz (@katzish) June 20, 2017
https://twitter.com/bobdiz2/status/877143866893193218
https://twitter.com/tomlowrysghost/status/877146397249765376
https://twitter.com/gleefulreader/status/877144637428969472
Clear demonstration of how flippant this #WH & @realDonaldTrump administration is about leadership, accountability and running the country https://t.co/zjVc5ZnYde
— Raiza (@Raizakolia) June 20, 2017
The White House using fat shaming to justify increased opacity. 2017. https://t.co/pWqupoAOXu
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 20, 2017
Spicer will reportedly still have a role in the administration as a senior communications adviser. The White House did announce that Spicer would brief the press on camera today at 1:30pm ET.