Senior White House adviser Stephen Bannon said the reason the daily press briefings have been held off-camera more frequently in recent days is because the Trump administration’s top spokesman has gained weight, according to a report.
An article published Tuesday by The Atlantic noted that several of the briefings have been held off-camera, as opposed to usual live broadcast.
Asked by reporter Rosie Gray for an explanation, Bannon said, “Sean got fatter.”
Gray told the Washington Examiner she thought Bannon was making a joke.
“He didn’t explain, but I think so,” she said, when asked if he was speaking in jest.
The usual on-camera briefings have been replaced by “gaggles,” which are sometimes smaller gatherings with reporters. Spicer has made cameras off-limits, putting the TV news outlets at a disadvantage.
The White House is reportedly mixing up its communications department and Spicer is believed to be moving into a new role.
On Twitter, former President Bill Clinton’s daughter, Chelsea, said Bannon’s comment amounted to “fat shaming.”
The White House using fat shaming to justify increased opacity. 2017. https://t.co/pWqupoAOXu
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) June 20, 2017
