Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
gold-colored Trump high-rise building between of two gold-colored buildings
gold-colored Trump high-rise building between of two gold-colored buildings
NeONBRAND/Unsplash
Culture > News

Sarah Huckabee Sanders Made The White House Press Say What They’re Thankful For Before Letting Them Do Their Jobs

Meghan Shaffer

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders continues to confuse the White House press, this time by bafflingly calling on the spirit of Thanksgiving. During the Monday press briefing, Huckabee Sanders told the journalists assembled that if they wished to ask a question they must first announce what they were thankful for (you know, like you have to do in kindergarten.)

 “So this is how it’s going to work today, since I’m here and I get to call on you,” she said. “If you want to ask a question, I think it’s only fair, since I’ve shared what I’m thankful for, that you start off with what you’re thankful for.”

Huckabee Sanders got the ball rolling by stating what she was thankful for first, per Mediaite:

“Obviously you probably know, and it’s clearly no secret, that I’m clearly very thankful for all of you,” she told the journalists assembled, and was met with laughter. She also listed her family, her faith, soldiers currently serving in the military, policemen, fireman and first responders.

Most of the reporters complied with Huckabee Sanders’ strange rule of the day, and she answered questions of those who refrained from sharing. Zeke Miller of The Associated Press was reprimanded for breaking the rule when asking about Donald Trump’s possible Supreme Court candidates, and Miller quickly replied that he was grateful for the question.

The first reporter called on for questions, April Ryan of American Urban Radio Networks, was sure to give a snarky answer. After listing her life, children, and 20 years on the job, Ryan said she was thankful “to be able to talk to [Huckabee Sanders] and question you every single day.” Huckabee Sanders was quick with a response: “I feel the gratefulness there,” she said, and Ryan shot right back at her. “I hope you felt the passion of my thankfulness.”

Ryan wasn’t the only one to give a snappy response. Cecilia Vega of ABC News said that she was thankful for the First Amendment, prompting a round of “oohs” from others in the room.

Journalists on Twitter also participated, with many taking the opportunity to express their disdain for President Donald Trump and Huckabee Sanders’ rule. 

As Huckabee Sanders has a track record for evading questions and being combative with the press, this latest incident appeared to be more of an exercise in frustration than gratitude. 

Meghan is the Life Editor and a National Features Writer for Her Campus. A senior at the College of the Holy Cross studying English and History, she hopes to one day write a novel (or at least edit one) and is constantly in search of a good book to read, her next cup of coffee, and a dog to pet.