Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has found herself at the center of a growing controversy after making remarks that many have called disrespectful and unprofessional toward Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance.
The incident took place during her appearance on the popular podcast “I’ve Had It,” where Psaki, known for her sharp wit and political commentary, made several jabs at the newly appointed vice president. During the conversation, she referred to Vance as a “little Manchurian candidate”—a phrase suggesting manipulation or blind loyalty—and went on to accuse him of being a “chameleon with no rizz,” a slang term meaning someone lacking charisma or authenticity.
What truly fueled the outrage, however, was when Psaki shifted from political criticism to personal mockery. Speaking about Vance’s wife, Usha, she quipped, “Blink four times. Come over here, we’ll save you,” implying that Usha was somehow trapped or unhappy in her marriage. The comment, which many listeners perceived as condescending and invasive, quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking debates over sexism, political bias, and the ethical boundaries of public discourse.
Vice President Vance responded swiftly but calmly, refusing to escalate the drama. He called Psaki’s words “disgraceful” and expressed disappointment that a former White House official would resort to such rhetoric. Nonetheless, he took the opportunity to praise his wife, describing her as his “wonderful partner” and the “strongest, most grounded person I know.” His dignified tone contrasted sharply with the tone of Psaki’s remarks, earning him a wave of support from both political allies and neutral observers.
The backlash against Psaki was immediate and fierce. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung condemned her statements in strong terms, branding her “talentless” and accusing her of exploiting controversy to stay relevant in the media spotlight. Online, thousands of users echoed his sentiments, calling Psaki’s comments “mean-spirited,” “out of line,” and “deeply hypocritical.”
Critics also turned their attention toward MSNBC, the network where Psaki currently hosts a political talk show. They accused the outlet of double standards, pointing out that Psaki’s personal attacks contradicted the network’s repeated calls for civility and decency in political debate. Several commentators noted that had similar remarks been made by a conservative figure toward a Democratic leader, the outrage from mainstream media would have been far louder and more sustained.
Political analysts suggested that Psaki’s remarks reflect growing unease and frustration within Democratic media circles, particularly as the administration faces mounting criticism over messaging and leadership. Some even drew comparisons to Psaki’s successor, Karine Jean-Pierre, who recently became the target of mockery herself after a series of public blunders defending President Biden’s mental sharpness during live press briefings.
In the broader context, the controversy reignited discussions about the blurred lines between humor, criticism, and disrespect in modern political discourse. While Psaki’s defenders argued that her comments were made in jest, others insisted that such personal jabs undermine the integrity of political dialogue and further polarize an already divided nation.
As of now, neither Psaki nor MSNBC has issued a formal apology or clarification, and the debate continues to unfold online. Meanwhile, JD Vance and his wife have reportedly chosen not to engage further, focusing instead on their family and the vice president’s new responsibilities in office.