White House press secretary questioned about Kamala Harris' new 'fake accent'

WASHINGTON (TND) — White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared to get annoyed when she was questioned about Vice President Kamala Harris' alleged new "Southern accent."

A scene unfolded Tuesday afternoon when a FOX News reporter broached the topic with Jean-Pierre during a media briefing.

"Since when does the vice president have what sounds like a Southern accent?" Fox News' Peter Doocy asks.

Jean-Pierre tells Doocy she has "no idea" what he's talking about. She proceeds to laugh and claims voters are interested in more serimatters.

"Do you think Americans seriously think this is an important question?"Jean-Pierre says." You know what they care about? They care about the economy. They care about lowering costs. They care about healthcare. That's what Americans care about. That's what they want to hear."

She goes on to say she doesn't plan to "entertain the question" because it "is just insane."

Doocy continues to pressJean-Pierre.

"Is that how she talks in meetings?" he asks.

ButJean-Pierre again refuses to answer.

"Peter, we're moving on. We're so moving on."Jean-Pierre says before addressing another reporter.

The exchange occurred a day after footage of Harris addressing teachers union members in Michigan went viral, with many people on social media accusing her of using what they described as a “fake accent” during her remarks. Several people said she appeared to change her tone of voice.

"You better thank a union member for the five-day work week," Harris said while speaking to a crowd at a Detroit high school. "You better thank a union member for sick leave. You better thank a union member for paid leave. You better thank a union member for vacation time."

Users on social media criticized the vice president.Some even likened her sudden voice change to Looney Tunes character Foghorn Leghorn.

Others said it makes her seem phony or disingenuous.

"There are millions of people talking about this online because it goes to authenticity of the candidate and the fact that she is perceived by some as pandering depending on what audience she's speaking to," one person wrote. "Frankly, it makes her look fake to need to change her accent depending on who she's speaking with."

Others defended Harris, as well asJean-Pierre.

"Peter Doocy's question seems to be more focused on creating a headline than discussing any substantial issue," another person wrote. "It's understandable why Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed it."

Harris, 59, is of Black and South Asian heritage.