Biden Official Slammed for Saying Soldiers Died ‘Fighting’ for Biden Admin

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre faced backlash online on Monday amid the death of three United States military personnel as a result of a Saturday drone strike in Jordan after saying the soldiers died “fighting” on behalf of the Biden administration.

On Sunday, President Joe Biden confirmed the attack on U.S. troops in Jordan, which he said was carried out by “radical, Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq.”

However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said U.S. accusations of Iran’s involvement were “baseless” and that it was “not involved in the decision-making of Resistance groups,” referring to allied groups known as the “Axis of Resistance.”

Among the three deaths, dozen of injuries were also reported. American troops across the Middle East have been attacked more than 150 times by Iran-backed forces since the Israel-Hamas war started in October, according to Reuters. U.S. forces have been targeted in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and off the coast of Yemen, but none had resulted in any deaths.

In an interview on Monday on MSNBC, Jean-Pierre offered condolences to the three military personnel’s families, adding that the soldiers died “fighting on behalf of this administration.”

“Our deepest condolences go out and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families who lost three brave folks who are military folks who are brave who are always fighting and are fighting on behalf of this administration of the American people obviously more so importantly,” she said.

Newsweek has reached out to the White House and Biden’s office via email for comment.

Since Jean-Pierre’s comments, users have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to express their disapproval of her use of language and overall execution of her condolence.

Jeremy Redfern, press secretary for Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, called out Jean-Pierre’s comments, writing on X, “Say what you will about this word salad, but the idea that anyone in the military is fighting on behalf of any administration is precisely what is wrong with the DC ruling class. Disgusting comment by @PressSec.”

Media Research Center, a watchdog group, wrote: “Wrong, Karine. Our service members signed up to serve their Country; they died because of your administration.”

Conservative media company, Proud Elephant, criticized the press secretary’s use of the word “folks” writing on X, “KJP gives half-a**ed condolences to ‘three folks who are military folks who are brave who are always fighting, who were fighting on behalf of this administration.’ ‘Folks’? Wow. That’s low even for KJP. Show some damn respect for once!”

While X user ZNO commented, “KJP’s brain is literally fighting with her to not say words that would commemorate the 3 dead servicemen. This is how much they hate you. This is how much they hate this country. Their bodies reject it. The Biden administration is a disgrace and a stain on this country.”

However, Biden on Sunday said that “the three American service members we lost were patriots in the highest sense.”

“Together, we will keep the sacred obligation we bear to their families. We will strive to be worthy of their honor and valor. We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt, we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing,” the president said.

Saturday’s attack follows increased concerns over Israel’s continued war in Gaza against Iran-backed Hamas militants after it launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, along with the attacks in Yemen on shipping vessels passing through the Red Sea.

Meanwhile, Biden faces increasing demands to strike Iran, but has been reluctant to hit the country amid fears it could spark a direct war, perhaps even a major conflict involving other Middle East nations.

Although it’s unclear what actions will be taken, Biden said on Sunday that the U.S. “shall respond.”