‘Second Lady can speak for herself’: JD Vance dismisses Jen Psaki’s ‘save Usha’ joke

US Vice President JD Vance with his wife Usha Vance. (AFP/File photo)

US Vice President JD Vance has hit back at former White House press secretary Jen Psaki over her remarks about his wife, Usha Vance, calling them “disgraceful” and insisting that “the Second Lady can speak for herself.”

Vance’s comments came during an interview with Fox News after Psaki joked on a podcast that Usha Vance “needs to be saved” from her husband, also saying she found the Vice President “scarier” than President Donald Trump.

“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.”

NEW: Vice President Vance laughs off Jen Psaki’s comments about his wife, Usha: “I think it’s disgraceful, but of course the second lady can speak for herself.” “I am very lucky to have a wonderful wife, and I know — at least I hope — that my wife feels the same about me.”… pic.twitter.com/DprrMR1IbB

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 23, 2025

Psaki’s remarks drew swift backlash online, with Trump campaign aides and conservative commentators accusing her of sexism and disrespect. Trump aide Steven Cheung lashed out at the MSNBC host, calling her a “dumb***” and a “moron.”

During the podcast, Psaki quipped that Usha might be “scared” of her husband, and the show’s description on YouTube and Spotify read, “Usha Vance, please blink twice if you need help.”

Describing Vance as “young and ambitious,” Psaki said he was “willing to do anything to get there” and “makes himself whatever he thinks people want to hear.” She added jokingly, “Sometimes I wonder if Usha Vance is OK… please blink four times. We’ll come over here. We’ll save you.”

The White House condemned Psaki’s remarks as “inappropriate and personal,” saying that such comments “have no place in public discourse.”