Ducklo threatened Tara Palmeri of Politico over the story and promised that he would “destroy” her if she published it, according to Vanity Fair. Ducklo also made misogynistic remarks to Palmeri, Vanity Fair said. The magazine reported that Ducklo was referring to Palmeri’s own personal life and at one point accused her of being ‘jealous’ of his relationship with Alexi McCammond. A person familiar with the matter confirmed to CNN the details of the conversation Ducklo had with Palmeri.
Psaki said in a statement that Ducklo Palmeri apologized for what Psaki described as a ‘fiery conversation about his personal life’.
“He is the first to admit that this is not the standard set by the president,” Psaki said.
Psaki added that when Ducklo returns from suspension, “he will no longer be assigned to work with any reporters at Politico.”
Ducklo did not respond to a request for comment Friday.
A Politico spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Psaki’s statement. Palmeri declined to comment.
Two Politico staff members told CNN that reporters in the store were furious about Psaki’s reaction to the situation.
“It feels like she’s punishing us more than he does,” said one staff member, noting that her solution was for Politico reporters to lose access to one of the White House’s top officials in the communications department.