The Biden administration has strongly denounced the reported incidents of online harassment and intimidation targeted at Wall Street Journal reporter Sabrina Siddiqui. Siddiqui’s question to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about alleged discrimination against religious minorities in India sparked anger among Modi’s supporters, who argue that such reports are exaggerated and biased. White House spokesperson John Kirby expressed the administration’s condemnation of any harassment against journalists, emphasizing that it is unacceptable under any circumstances. The criticism faced by former President Barack Obama, who also commented on the issue, and Siddiqui was met with backlash from right-wing trolls and some Indian cabinet ministers. The White House highlighted that such harassment contradicts the democratic principles exhibited during the recent state visit. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre echoed the condemnation, affirming that journalists should be allowed to perform their duties without intimidation or harassment. The controversy sparked widespread discussions on social media throughout the weekend. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre joined the smackdown, condemning “any efforts of intimidation or harassment of a journalist or any journalist that is just trying to do their job” as the spat ignited social media exchanges over the weekend.