Biden aide resigns for abhorrent comments

WASHINGTON: White House deputy press secretary TJ Ducklo has resigned after he threatened to “destroy” a reporter who asked about his fling with a journalist.

“We accepted the resignation of TJ Ducklo after a discussion with him this evening,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement yesterday.

Mr Ducklo, 32, allegedly threatened Politico reporter Tara Palmeri for investigating his personal relationship with Alexi McCammond, a reporter for news outlet Axios, then slammed her as being bitter that someone didn’t want to have sex with her, it emerged last week.

The embattled White House deputy press secretary was initially suspended for a week without pay after the incident came to light, drawing criticism in light of President Joe Biden’s pledge to quickly fire those in his administration if they were disrespectful of others.

Mr Ducklo (pictured) apologised in a statement posted to Twitter after the White House announced his exit.

“No words can express my regret, my embarrassment, and my disgust for my behaviour. I used language that no woman should ever have to hear from anyone, especially in a situation where she was just trying to do her job. It was language that was abhorrent, disrespectful and unacceptable,” he wrote.

“I am devastated to have embarrassed and disappointed my White House colleagues and President Biden, and after a discussion with White House communications leadership tonight, I resigned my position and will not be returning from administrative leave.”