White House press secretary Sean Spicer tendered his resignation Friday morning after President Donald Trump hired supporter Anthony Scaramucci as White House communications chief, an appointment both White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and chief strategist Seven Bannon also objected to.
The news has rocked Washington. The Trump administration is under intense pressure as the FBI, under special counsel Robert Mueller, continues to investigate Russian interference in last year's election, in addition to allegations of Trump campaign collusion with Russian operatives.
Spicer, after being a central figure in the Trump administration during its opening months, had recently appeared publicly less and less. His deputy, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, had taken over the daily press briefing duties, albeit off camera.
Last month, Spicer's name was floated as a possible permanent replacement for White House communications director, though that never panned out.
Still, it appears Spicer left the administration on good terms. Trump thanked Spicer for his service after the resignation was announced, while Spicer talked positively about Trump. They also each took turns bashing the media for the press's brash scrutiny of the Trump administration.
But one media outlet in particular has earned the ire of Americans on both sides of the aisle in the immediate aftermath of Spicer's resignation.
After it was confirmed that Spicer was out, Reuters posted a live feed of his Washington-area home for all of the world to see:
WATCH LIVE: The scene outside Sean Spicer's house following the announcement of his resignation… https://t.co/CC7Ens7FlC— Reuters Politics (@Reuters Politics) 1500657711.0
Given how politically charged Washington currently is — and the dangers that has posed to Republicans — people were outraged that a news outlet would show the world Spicer's private residence where he lives with his wife and two children.
And people were quick to let Reuters know:
A new low for @Reuters ....
— jimstinson (@jimstinson) July 21, 2017
The Press is the only occupation specifically protected by the Constitution;we have a responsibility to use good judgment; shame on @Reuters— Greta Van Susteren (@Greta Van Susteren) 1500681509.0
The media, being terrible at their job. Well done, guys. It's a house. https://t.co/YGpzELdeT1— Ben Shapiro (@Ben Shapiro) 1500661088.0
"journalism" pic.twitter.com/llmwkYQ04C
— Robert Briggs (@Robert_W_Briggs) July 21, 2017
It's like, how much more journalism could this be? and the answer is none. None more journalism. https://t.co/W5qx2zfOo9— David Burge (@David Burge) 1500660614.0
To all the people saying @ReutersPolitics is better than this... they're not
— Gary Carlo (@GaryACarlo) July 21, 2017
Get a grip, Reuters. https://t.co/dRY7pt8m9r— Brian Fallon (@Brian Fallon) 1500660598.0
Seriously. Leave him and his family alone. This is borderline stalking. Creepy.
— Rick Johnstone (@rjinaz) July 21, 2017
This is why everyone hates you.
— Jim Treacher (@jtLOL) July 21, 2017
Reminder that Sean Spicer is father of two small children and doing a live-feed of his families private residence i… https://t.co/Ob698mjnjH— Benny (@Benny) 1500661529.0
He's a father of two small children and you are livestreaming his house.
— (@technowizardry) July 21, 2017
Thats terrible. You're putting their safety at risk for clicks.
Why the duck are you at his house? Jfc the media is complete garbage
— minor point (@minor_point) July 21, 2017
Ur a joke @ReutersPolitics
— Kristin Billitere (@SpecialKMB1969) July 21, 2017
The stream was live for just over one hour before being taken down.
A spokesman for Reuters told The Hill they went to Spicer's house to seek a comment.
"We and other major media outlets were there to see if a statement would be made," said Abbe Serphos, global head of PR and communications for Reuters. "When it was clear there would be no statement, we left."