Former Biden Spokeswoman Draws Backlash After Personal Comments About Vice President’s Family
Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is facing intense criticism after making remarks that many say crossed the line — mocking Vice President JD Vance and taking a personal swipe at his wife, Usha Vance, during a recent podcast appearance.
The incident unfolded earlier this week on the “I’ve Had It” podcast, hosted by Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, where Psaki discussed Vance’s political rise and ambitions. What began as a conversation about policy and image quickly veered into personal territory, sparking immediate backlash online and from political figures on both sides of the aisle.
Psaki’s Comments About JD Vance: “The Little Manchurian Candidate”
During the interview, Psaki appeared to question Vance’s character and authenticity, calling him a “chameleon” who would say anything to advance his political career.
“I think the little Manchurian candidate JD Vance wants to be president more than anything else,” Psaki said, accusing the vice president of being “willing to do anything to get there.”
She added that Vance was “scarier in certain ways” than other political figures because of what she described as his ability to adapt his personality to fit the audience.
“He’s a chameleon who makes himself into whatever he thinks the audience wants to hear from him,” Psaki claimed.
The former Biden spokesperson also mocked Vance’s demeanor, claiming he lacked charisma. “He has no rizz,” she said, using modern slang for charm or charisma. “He just is a little odd. Trump’s odd in a different way.”
Psaki Takes Aim at Vance’s Wife: “Blink Four Times”
Psaki didn’t stop at political criticism. She went further — and more personal — by suggesting that Usha Vance, the vice president’s wife, was somehow trapped in her marriage.
“I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife,” Psaki said. “Like, ‘Are you OK? Blink four times. Come over here, we’ll save you.’”
The remark immediately drew gasps from listeners and went viral on social media. Many viewed it as an unnecessary personal attack on the Vance family — particularly offensive given Usha’s private profile and her role as a mother of three.
Critics accused Psaki of hypocrisy, noting that she had previously condemned attacks on female political spouses during her time as White House Press Secretary.
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Vance Responds: “I’m Honored To Have Usha By My Side”
Vice President JD Vance addressed the controversy during a Thursday appearance, saying he found Psaki’s comments “disgraceful” but ultimately unworthy of outrage.
“I think it’s disgraceful, but of course, the second lady can speak for herself,” Vance said. “I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife, and I know — at least I hope — that my wife feels the same about me. I’m honored to have Usha by my side.”
His composed response drew praise from conservative commentators who contrasted his tone with Psaki’s mockery.
WATCH: Psaki’s Remarks Spark Firestorm Online
Clips of Psaki’s podcast appearance began circulating across social platforms late Tuesday, amassing millions of views in just 24 hours. Conservative users accused Psaki of crossing ethical lines, while even some liberal commentators described her comments as “mean-spirited” and “unprofessional.”
Prominent accounts such as Libs of TikTok posted excerpts with the caption: “MSNBC should be ashamed to pay her salary.”
White House Communications Director Fires Back
The controversy deepened when White House Communications Director Steven Cheung — a close Trump ally and frequent critic of Psaki — launched a blistering response on X (formerly Twitter).
Cheung referred to Psaki as “Jen Psucki” and accused her of projecting her own insecurities onto others.
“She’s transferring her own personal issues onto others,” Cheung wrote. “A dumba** who has no comprehension of the truth and has to overcompensate for her lack of talent by saying untrue things.”
He ended his post with Psaki’s own famous catchphrase from her White House days: “Circle back on that, moron.”
Commentators Weigh In: “Calamity Tour of Former Press Secretaries”
Political commentator Link Lauren compared Psaki’s latest remarks to those of Karine Jean-Pierre, the current Biden press secretary, who also faced criticism this week after making questionable comments during her media appearances.
“Psaki and KJP are in competition this week to see who can be the worst press secretary,” Lauren quipped. “Both are on press tours. Both are utter calamities.”
Karine Jean-Pierre Adds Fuel To The Fire
While Psaki was under fire, Jean-Pierre sparked her own controversy during a series of media appearances defending President Biden’s mental fitness.
Speaking on CBS Mornings, Jean-Pierre insisted that Biden remained “engaged” and “focused,” despite growing public concern about his age and cognitive ability.
“I saw someone who understood policy, pushed us on policy, and also understood history,” she said.
When she repeated those comments on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host ended the segment abruptly after Jean-Pierre dismissed public worry about Biden’s debate performance.
“At 81 years old, that’s not entirely unexpected,” Colbert said. “You can imagine why people got so worried.”
Jean-Pierre responded firmly, insisting Biden “had the mental acuity” to govern. “The man that I saw nearly every day was someone who was engaging, understood policy, and was always putting the American people first,” she said.
Colbert replied dryly: “In a moment of great pressure on stage, we saw someone shock us and worry us. Nothing could assuage that worry.”
The exchange only added to the perception that the administration’s communications team — both past and present — has lost its footing amid mounting criticism.
Psaki’s History of Controversial Remarks
This isn’t the first time Psaki has sparked backlash since leaving the Biden administration.
As host of Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC, she’s become known for her sharp political commentary and partisan tone — often drawing criticism from conservatives who accuse her of spreading disinformation.
In 2023, Psaki came under fire for suggesting that Christian parents who oppose certain school curricula were “extremists.” She later walked back the statement after a public outcry.
Her latest comments about the vice president and his wife, however, may represent her most personal attack yet — and one that even some of her usual allies are finding hard to defend.
MSNBC Faces Pressure To Respond
MSNBC has not issued an official statement on the controversy, but sources inside the network told media outlets that producers were “surprised” by Psaki’s remarks and that discussions were ongoing about how to handle the backlash.
Critics have pointed out that if a conservative commentator had made similar comments about the spouse of a Democratic official, there would likely be immediate calls for termination.
“This is the double standard at work,” one media analyst said. “When conservatives make jokes about Democrats, it’s labeled misogyny or hate speech. When Democrats mock Republican families, it’s brushed off as humor.”
Political Fallout and What Comes Next
As the dust settles, the controversy surrounding Psaki’s comments shows no sign of fading. The remarks have reignited broader debates about political civility, the role of the media, and the growing tendency for personal attacks to replace substantive discussion.
“Attacking a political opponent is one thing,” said one former White House staffer. “Attacking his wife on a podcast is another. It’s a new low in what’s already a toxic media environment.”
For Vice President Vance, the moment may actually work to his advantage. His calm, measured response has drawn praise from supporters who see him as rising above the fray — a tone often associated with leadership maturity.
Whether MSNBC takes disciplinary action or Psaki issues a formal apology remains to be seen. But the controversy underscores a growing divide between traditional journalism and personality-driven political media.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
