Jen Psaki Faces Backlash Over Usha Vance Comments on Podcast

Former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has ignited controversy after suggesting on a podcast that Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President JD Vance, is yearning to escape her marriage. This incendiary comment has sparked widespread condemnation on social media.

Controversial Remarks on "I’ve Had It" Podcast

During an episode of the far-left podcast "I’ve Had It," which is known for its humorous, yet often crude content, Psaki made remarks that drew immediate ire.

Key Quotes from Jen Psaki:

• “I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife. Like, are you OK? Please blink four times. Come over here, we’ll save you.”
• She went on to describe Vice President Vance as “scarier” than former President Trump, while claiming he has “no rizz,” a slang term for charisma.

The co-hosts of the podcast, Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, responded with laughter, further amplifying the mockery of the Vance marriage.

Social Media Backlash

Psaki’s remarks did not go unnoticed. Critics on social media quickly expressed their disapproval:

• Steven Cheung, White House Director of Communications, took to X (formerly Twitter) to comment, "Jen Psaki must be transferring her own personal issues onto others. @jrpsaki is a dumbass who has no comprehension of the truth."
• John Podhoretz, the editor of Commentary Magazine, quipped, “Her hair dye has infected her brain, if she ever had a brain, which is questionable.”

Public Responses Highlighting Usha Vance’s Accomplishments

Several users defended Usha Vance, emphasizing her impressive credentials:

• Education: Usha Vance is a graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School.
• Professional Experience: She clerked for Chief Justice John Roberts at the Supreme Court.

Conservative author Barry Jacobsen stated, “Usha Vance is a Yale undergrad and lawyer. It is unseemly for Jen Psaki to besmirch her relationship with her husband.”

Another commentator pointed out that Usha’s academic and professional background illustrates she is far from lacking agency in her marriage, stating, “She can write her check to work for any law firm in the country. These people are insufferable.”

General Public Reactions

A conservative commentator, Sarah Adams, added, “His wife comes off incredibly happy—Jen is a mean girl and thinks that makes her special.”

Despite the harsh criticisms directed towards Psaki, Vice President JD Vance had not made a public response as of Wednesday afternoon. Notably, he was reported to be in Israel with Usha as the backlash unfolded.

Context of MSNBC’s Recent Struggles

This incident comes in the wake of recent admonitions from MSNBC and parent company Comcast regarding employee conduct. In September, Matthew Dowd, a paid contributor, was dismissed for making inflammatory comments following the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

Official Response from Comcast Executives

Following the backlash, Comcast executives issued a memo emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue among staff:

“We should engage with respect, listen, and treat people with kindness. We need to do better.”

This has led to speculation about whether MSNBC, soon to be rebranded as MS NOW, will temper its decidedly left-leaning commentary in the future.

Conclusion

Jen Psaki’s comments about Usha Vance have only intensified the ongoing dialogue about political rhetoric and personal attacks in today’s media landscape. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether there will be any repercussions for the former press secretary or changes in MSNBC’s approach to commentary.

For more information on Usha Vance’s achievements, you can visit her biography on Yale Law School’s website.