Jean-Pierre: We Have Seen What Happens When Dangerous Misinformation Drives a Wedge Between Communicators and the American People

Jean-Pierre: “So we have seen the consequences of what happens when communities don’t know where to turn for trusted information, there’s calamity and chaos, and even catastrophe. So I’ve shared the podium, stood behind the lectern at the podium many times with Administrator Criswell, because as we all know, we’ve had quite our share of disasters over the past several years, unfortunately. And from the fires on Maui to hurricanes across the East, and Gulf Coast, we have both seen what happens when dangerous misinformation drives a wedge between communicators and the American people. But we have also seen how trusted communicators who meet people where they are, are able to break through that noise, and get people critical life saving information. Now, when I address the press, from the White House podium, the only thing that stands between me and getting our message out to the American public is whether the people sitting in those chairs, and the folks watching at home, feel like they can trust me, feel like the information that I am providing is worthy for them and that they can trust obviously, that information. And building that trust is not just about getting accurate information across the airwaves or onto live streams, it’s about rapport. It’s about empathy. It’s about building relationships. So everything that I say at the podium, and I know many of you may understand what I mean, you have to actually be — try to put yourself in the shoes of the person or the people that you’re talking to, have that empathy. And it is so key in communicating and so that people hear exactly what it is that you are trying to share with them, important critical information.”