MSNBC host Jen Psaki faced significant backlash after praising second gentleman Doug Emhoff for “reshaping the perception of masculinity” during an interview on her show, Inside with Jen Psaki. The comments came amidst ongoing controversy surrounding Emhoff’s past, particularly his affair with his child’s nanny during his first marriage, a revelation that has resurfaced recently.
In the interview, Psaki commended Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Kamala Harris, for his supportive role as a spouse, noting that he had “reshaped” traditional views of masculinity. Emhoff, a former entertainment lawyer, responded by stating that he had always embraced the role of a supportive partner and that he and Harris have a “mutual” relationship of backing each other.
However, Psaki’s remarks quickly drew criticism online. Social media users, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), pointed out Emhoff’s past infidelity as inconsistent with the idea of reshaping masculinity in a positive light. Emhoff had previously admitted to cheating on his first wife, film producer Kerstin Emhoff, with their child’s nanny, an affair that led to the nanny’s pregnancy, though she did not keep the baby.
Critics were quick to mock Psaki’s framing of Emhoff’s character, with some accusing her of ignoring key aspects of his past. One commenter sarcastically questioned how the affair fit into the narrative of reshaping masculinity, while others accused the media of selective coverage in favor of political figures like Emhoff.
Despite the controversy surrounding his past actions, Emhoff’s ex-wife has expressed support for him, emphasizing their positive relationship as co-parents and the blended family they’ve built alongside Vice President Harris.
Neither Psaki, Emhoff, nor Harris has addressed the online criticism following the interview.