Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki found herself at the center of a political firestorm this week after making scathing remarks about Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, during an appearance on the “I’ve Had It” podcast.
In what many called one of her most biting public comments since leaving the Biden administration, Psaki mocked Vance as a “little Manchurian candidate desperate for power,” questioning both his authenticity and his loyalty. She went further, describing him as “a chameleon with no rizz,” implying he lacked charisma and moral consistency.
Her remarks took a more personal turn when she joked about Usha Vance, saying, “Blink four times. Come over here, we’ll save you.” The hosts laughed, but the clip quickly went viral, sparking outrage across social media and prompting backlash from conservatives and moderates alike.
Vance responded calmly but firmly, calling Psaki’s comments “disgraceful and beneath public discourse.” He defended his wife, praising her as “my wonderful partner and the strongest person I know.” His statement was widely shared by supporters who accused Psaki of crossing a personal line and displaying the same elitism she once claimed to oppose.
The controversy intensified when White House Communications Director Steven Cheung weighed in, blasting Psaki as “a talentless media hack who’s been trying to stay relevant by insulting others.” He added that her comments “say more about her than about JD or Usha.”
Critics online echoed that sentiment, accusing MSNBC—where Psaki now hosts a weekly show—of double standards. “If a conservative said that about the First Lady or Vice President Harris, they’d be off the air in hours,” one user wrote. Others called Psaki’s remarks “sexist,” “classless,” and “mean-spirited,” reigniting long-standing debates about media bias and political civility.
Some political analysts linked the outburst to growing frustration within Democratic circles following a series of public missteps by the Biden administration. Psaki’s comments came just days after her successor, Karine Jean-Pierre, faced ridicule for her awkward defense of President Biden’s mental acuity during a live interview.
While Psaki’s supporters argued she was simply “joking” and speaking candidly on a comedy-oriented show, the incident underscored how little margin remains for public figures in the current political climate. Even a moment of mockery can quickly escalate into a full-blown national controversy—especially when it targets a sitting vice president and his family.
By midweek, the network had not issued an official response, though sources told several outlets that MSNBC producers were “frustrated” by the distraction her remarks created. Meanwhile, conservative commentators have seized on the story, framing it as another example of hypocrisy and hostility from mainstream media voices toward political opponents.
What began as a lighthearted podcast appearance has now become a flashpoint in the ongoing cultural battle over tone, respect, and accountability in American politics—a reminder that, even years after leaving the briefing room, Jen Psaki’s words still carry weight, and sometimes, consequences.