Kamala Harris' communications director to leave White House post
Etienne's departure comes amid a scathing report from CNN detailing the building tension within the Vice President's office and the West Wing.
Vice President Kamala Harris' communications director Ashley Etienne will leave her White House post next month, according to reports.
"Ashley is a valued member of the vice president's team, who has worked tirelessly to advance the goals of this administration," a White House official said in a statement to CNN. "She is leaving the office in December to pursue other opportunities."
Etienne's departure comes following a report from CNN detailing mutual exasperation and tension between the Vice President's office and the West Wing.
Etienne previously served as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's communications director, prior to joining Harris' team.
According to The Hill, numerous media reports have portrayed Harris' staff as feeling sidelined by White House officials.
In response to these articles, White House press secretary Jen Psaki tweeted out her support of the Vice President.
"For anyone who needs to hear it. @VP is not only a vital partner to @POTUS but a bold leader who has taken on key, important challenges facing the country—from voting rights to addressing root causes of migration to expanding broadband," Psaki tweeted.
For anyone who needs to hear it. @VP is not only a vital partner to @POTUS but a bold leader who has taken on key, important challenges facing the country—from voting rights to addressing root causes of migration to expanding broadband.
— Jen Psaki (@PressSec) November 15, 2021
Etienne's departure comes as Harris' poll numbers continue to plummet. A recent survey found that 28% of Americans approve of her performance in office thus far.