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Jen Psaki lauded for shutting down Meghan McCain on 'safely' reopening schools: 'She handled her like a boss'

Twitter praised Psaki for her calm responses to McCains questions about reopening school and migrant camps for children

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is being lauded on Twitter for her response to Meghan McCain. Psaki was being interviewed by McCain over school closures and migrant camps with the ABC host saying the issue of schools "is more about politics than science". The View host received a calm and cool reply from a smiling Psaki, which immediately took over Twitter.

It's not all positive for Psaki though, as some called out the hypocrisy of Biden reopening detention camps for migrant children, which Trump was criticized for. However, Psaki's response to McCain was a hit on the internet and many called her response "powerful".

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What Did Psaki Say?

McCain remarked how Biden wanted most schools to reopen sometime in April, now the goal is grades K to 8 five days a week, putting grades 9-12 in the backseat. She said, "Teachers unions are a huge block for Democrats." To this Psaki replied, "Everybody wants their kids to be back in school. But everybody wants their kids to be back in school safely." Psaki went on to add "we want to make science cool again", adding that the Biden administration believes it can reopen schools safely and quickly.

Psaki also highlighted the important role of preventive measures such as social distancing and mask-wearing. She also said "we believe vaccinations should be prioritized for teachers". Finally, she also talked about the importance of the American Rescue Plan that the Biden administration is attempting to pass through Congress. Psaki said that the money would allow schools to implement all the procedures required to ensure that children can get back to school, including hiring more staff and following CDC guidelines. 

Speaking on the migrant camps, Psaki said that the camps were revamped to give the children access to education and healthcare. "We can't send them directly to families that haven't been vetted," she said on the issue. "We are absolutely not doing what the former President did," she added.

Internet Praises Psaki

A clip of the interview has since been widely shared on Twitter, with many users praising Psaki for her reply. One user said, "Jen Psaki proving why she was the perfect choice. Powerful!" Another user said, "Jen Psaki is handling Meghan McCain like a boss." James C tweeted, "I'm in awe of Press Secretary Jen Psaki. Another person who reminds me of who I want to be when I grow up."

The clip also went viral for other reasons, with Shannon Watts using the opportunity to comment on McCain's hair. "White House spokesperson Jen Psaki nails response to question about reopening schools during COVID from Meghan McCain, whose hairstylist deserves an Emmy," she tweeted.

Others pointed out to the hypocrisy of reopening camps for children. She later faced the question at a press briefing and her responses left some Twitter users unhappy. Joel Pollak defended Trump tweeting, "Jen Psaki is trying hard to dance around the "kids in cages" problem at today's press briefing. It was a "tough choice" to re-open migrant facilities for children. "There are very few good options here." Gee -- did the Trump administration face the same tough choices?" Another user simply tweeted "Jen Psaki is a joke."