Josh Earnest Reflects on Emotional White House Response Post-Trump Win

In a recent discussion at the 2025 National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) conference in Chicago, Josh Earnest, who served as White House press secretary under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017, provided a poignant reflection on the emotional atmosphere within the White House following Donald Trump’s election victory in November 2016. Earnest recounted the challenges faced by the Obama administration during this transitional period, highlighting the necessity of a peaceful transfer of power despite serious concerns regarding the implications of Trump’s presidency.

The atmosphere was notably somber in the wake of the election results, with many staff members feeling demoralized. Earnest stated, "I did not think he was going to win," expressing the surprise felt by many within the administration. This unexpected outcome came on the heels of significant warnings issued during the election cycle about the potential risks associated with a Trump presidency, particularly concerning national security and integrity, as outlined in intelligence reports regarding Russian interference in the electoral process.

According to Earnest, the Obama administration had to navigate a complex landscape where they were tasked with not only defending the validity of these intelligence assessments but also ensuring the integrity of the constitutional process of transfer of power. He noted, “It was a tough message,” as the administration grappled with the reality of turning over critical national security protocols, including nuclear launch codes, to a leader they had previously warned against.

In an effort to re-engage his staff, President Obama convened a meeting in the Oval Office. During this meeting, he emphasized the importance of unity and patriotism, stating, “We have to remember that we’re actually all on one team,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with the staff present. The meeting served as a reminder that, regardless of political differences, their shared identity as Americans should prevail.

Earnest highlighted that the moment was captured by Pete Souza, the official White House photographer, marking it as a significant event for many staff members who had never been in the Oval Office before. He described the gathering as “very poignant,” encapsulating the emotional weight of the moment.

Throughout his tenure, Earnest faced criticism from Trump, who publicly disparaged him during rallies, labeling him as a “foolish guy” and criticizing his messaging style. Despite this, Earnest transitioned to a role as a spokesperson for United Airlines in 2018, where he continues to influence corporate communications.

Reflecting on his post-White House media career, Earnest expressed dissatisfaction with the nature of political commentary during Trump’s presidency, characterizing it as closer to entertainment than journalism. He stated, “The questions could all be boiled down to, ‘Isn’t this outrageous what Trump is doing?’ And it became about finding different ways to say, ‘Yes.’ I wasn’t doing journalism. I was doing commentary.”

Earnest's insights provide a valuable perspective on the challenges of maintaining integrity and composure in the face of political upheaval, highlighting the emotional and ethical responsibilities of those in public service during tumultuous times in American history. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of these experiences remain relevant for future administrations and their communications strategies.