Josh Earnest Struggles to Defend ANOTHER White House Party

06.15.2015 | News | Alicia Powe |

White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Monday dismissed reporters’ questions about a star-studded White House party that wasn’t announced to the public, saying the Obamas paid for it themselves.

“The president and the first lady are going to reserve the right to host private parties at the White House, and they did it on their own dime,” Press secretary Josh Earnest said.

A reported 500 people scored invites to the private two-hour event, which was not disclosed on the president’s public schedule.

Prince performed at the first couple’s private party. His performance reportedly included a duet with Stevie Wonder for his “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours.”

The White House will not release a copy of the guest list— during which Prince played hits including “Kiss” and “Purple Rain” —but former Attorney General Eric Holder, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and his date, singer Ciara, artists Jon Bon Jovi and James Taylor, TV & film stars Tyler Perry, Connie Britton, Angela Bassett, Gayle King, Tracee Ellis Ross, fashion designer Naeem Khan and J.Crew’s Jenna Lyons were spotted at the exclusive two-hour concert.

Earnest was asked, given the size of the party and the influential guest list, why the event was not made public.

The spokesman said hosting a private event, while an “appropriate thing” to do, is “not part of the responsibilities of the president and first lady” and argued that the questions he was getting is evidence of the transparency of the Obama White House.

“The fact that we are talking about a private event and the fact that details are known is an indication the president is committed to being transparent,” Earnest said. “At the same time the president and first lady can reserve the right to host private parties at the White House. They did it on their own dime. I think that’s consistent with the kind of values they’ve talked about.”

Earnest joked that the press corps was upset because they weren’t invited.

“Nobody else in here was invited either. There appears to be some angst about that,” Earnest said. “I think the fact that we are talking about a private event, paid for by the president and the first lady that occurred in their own home Saturday night, I think most people would recognize that understandably as a private event.”

Alicia Powe

Staff Writer

Alicia Powe is a staff writer for Daily Surge. She worked in the War Room of the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Committee and served as a White House Intern during the George W. Bush administration. Alicia has written for numerous outlets, including Human Events, Media Research Center and Townhall.com.

← Previous Story Romney: When Clinton Smiles, Her Eyes Say ‘Where’s My Latte?’

Next Story → Hillary Camp Bans Reporter from Covering Event