In an increasingly performative era of political commentary, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki may have taken things a step too far — and Vice President JD Vance is having none of it. Psaki, in a recent episode of the I’ve Had It podcast, raised eyebrows and tempers alike by joking that Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, might need to be “saved” from her husband. The remark, cloaked in snarky irony, quickly drew criticism as condescending, personal, and wildly inappropriate — especially considering that Usha is not a public political figure but a private citizen and accomplished legal professional.
Speaking to Fox News from Israel, where he’s been working on delicate ceasefire and hostage negotiations, Vice President Vance responded with a measured yet firm rebuke.
🚨 REPORTER: Former WH press secretary Jen Psaki said your wife needs to be “saved” from you.
JD VANCE: 😂
REPORTER: How do you feel about that?
VANCE: It’s disgraceful – but of course, the second lady can speak for herself. I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife. I at least… pic.twitter.com/msZMUZBVV9
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 23, 2025
“I think it’s disgraceful,” Vance said. “But of course, the Second Lady can speak for herself. And I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife… I hope that my wife feels the same way about me. We’re going to keep on serving the country together, and I’m honored to have Usha by my side on this trip in particular, but always.”
His tone was classic Vance: direct, composed, and laced with just enough dry wit to let listeners know he wasn’t rattled — but he also wasn’t letting it slide.
Psaki’s original comments were couched in her broader claim that Vance is “scarier than Trump” — a common refrain from left-leaning commentators trying to frame the vice president’s populist style and intellectual agility as somehow more dangerous than bombast. But dragging his wife into the discussion? That’s where Psaki may have stepped on a rake.
“I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife,” Psaki said. “Like, are you OK? Please blink four times. We’ll come over here. We’ll save you.”
The podcast even leaned into the jab in its episode description, reading: “Usha Vance, please blink twice if you need help.”
But what was clearly meant as a throwaway joke has instead sparked a swift backlash. Many saw the remark as sexist in tone and elitist in attitude — implying, without any evidence, that a highly educated, accomplished woman like Usha Vance is somehow a victim for choosing to build a life with a man who doesn’t share Psaki’s political worldview.
Social media users weren’t shy in their reactions, with one pointed response gaining traction:
“Nothing baffles liberal women more than a happy marriage.”
Meanwhile, Vice President Vance has continued to project the same composed, grounded energy that has become his hallmark in recent months. In a moment where he could have lashed out, he chose instead to speak about love, respect, and partnership — leaving the ugly implications of Psaki’s comments to fall flat under their own weight.
