White House eyeing press shop shake-up as Biden tries to boost fortunes: Report

The White House is reportedly overhauling its press shop as President Biden tries to break through with voters ahead of the midterm elections.

A key adviser, Anita Dunn, is interviewing candidates for the White House communications director position as Kate Bedingfield prepares to leave the post on Friday, according to NBC News, which said several people have confirmed the broader shakeup.

The effort is designed to prepare the administration for the midterm season and possible GOP-led investigations if Republicans retake all or part of Congress ahead of the 2024 cycle.

Mr. Biden is also frustrated that his message isn’t getting through to the American people as his approval rating sinks to new lows.

The NBC report said contenders for the top communications post include Liz Allen, the assistant secretary of state for global public affairs; Kate Berner, the current deputy communications director; and Elizabeth Alexander, the communications director for first lady Jill Biden.

The interview process is putting an emphasis on persons with a prior relationship with the Bidens and comes after a string of departures.

Besides Ms. Bedingfield, Mr. Biden’s first press secretary — Jen Psaki — and Deputy Communications Director Pili Tobar have departed, along with two other assistant press secretaries.

NBC reported that Ms. Dunn is also looking for a new principal deputy press secretary, the position that Karine Jean-Pierre vacated to become press secretary.