At the recent National Association of Hispanic Journalists conference in Chicago, former White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest opened up about the tumultuous day following the 2016 presidential election, the Guardian reported.
Josh Earnest described the challenge of managing communications after Donald Trump was elected, marking it as his most difficult day at work.
Earnest, who helmed the Obama administration's communications during Barack Obama’s second term, cited November 9, 2016, as particularly daunting due to the unexpected election outcome. His role was integral in shaping the public messages during this critical transition.
Leading up to the elections, the Obama administration had been vocal about the risks associated with a potential Trump presidency. This caution was partly based on intelligence reports suggesting Russian interference in the electoral process.
Earnest emphasized how the administration had to align its communication strategies, despite having previously issued stark warnings about Trump's candidacy. The shift towards facilitating a smooth transition was paramount, he noted during his chat.
The obligation to ensure a peaceful transfer of power, including the exchange of nuclear codes, was a weighty responsibility, presenting a significant contrast to the Obama team's prior critiques of Trump.
Following the election results, there was a palpable sense of shock and disheartenment among the communications staff, as recounted by Earnest. President Obama swiftly convened his team to reassess and realign their focus for the remaining two months of his tenure.
Central to Obama's message to his communications team was a reminder of their overarching duty to prioritize the nation's best interests above all. This conversation provided the groundwork for Obama's public speech later that day.
Earnest recalled these discussions as being pivotal in redirecting the team’s morale and focus, underlining the theme of unity and patriotism that Obama stressed: "We are Americans first. We’re patriots first. We all want what’s best for this country."
After concluding his tenure at the White House in January 2017, Earnest took on roles that kept him close to the media spotlight. He worked as a media pundit during Trump’s presidency, where his commentary leaned towards what he described as bordering on entertainment rather than journalism.
Since 2018, Earnest has been a top spokesperson for United Airlines, navigating different challenges in the corporate sector. Despite his shift away from politics, his insights continue to draw attention, illustrating the ongoing interest in the experiences of Obama’s communication team.
Trump's opinion of Earnest was notably harsh; he once criticized Earnest publicly for his messaging style, describing him as "so bad, the way he delivers a message." These criticisms underscored the tense relations between the incoming and outgoing administrations during the transition period.
The challenge of balancing professional integrity with the demands of political communications was a recurring theme in Earnest's reflections. His experiences underscore the intricate balance required in the role of a White House press secretary, especially during a highly charged election transition.
Earnest's narrative at the NAHJ conference provided a rare glimpse into the inner workings and emotional toll on the White House staff during one of the most contentious elections in recent history.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, the insights from figures like Earnest serve as valuable lessons on the significance of communication, unity, and professionalism in the face of national transitions.
