MSNBC’s Jen Psaki is drawing criticism for an interview with second gentleman Doug Emhoff during which she praised him for supposedly reshaping perceptions of masculinity.

The interview aired on Sunday and quickly became a hot topic on social media, where users voiced their disapproval of Psaki’s remarks, with the backlash centering around Emhoff’s past affair with his family’s nanny, which critics believe contradicts the praise he received, as Fox News reports.

During the interview, Psaki highlighted what she said was Emhoff’s role in breaking traditional gender stereotypes, specifically noting how his actions as the first-ever second gentleman have reshaped public perceptions of masculinity.

Emhoff responded by explaining that his support for his wife, Vice President Kamala Harris, is mutual, and he emphasized the importance of championing women's rights.

Critics Highlight Emhoff’s Affair

As the interview circulated, social media users, including the X account End Wokeness, brought up Emhoff’s extramarital affair with his nanny during his first marriage. The affair, which became public after a report by the Daily Mail in August, led to the nanny's pregnancy, although she did not keep the baby.

Emhoff confirmed the affair after the report surfaced, acknowledging the tough times it caused in his marriage to Kerstin Emhoff, whom he divorced in 2008. They share two adult children, and despite the challenges, Emhoff stated that the family has grown stronger in the years since.

Psaki Criticized for Softball Interview

Critics were not only upset about Emhoff’s past but also questioned Psaki’s journalistic integrity, calling the interview a "softball." Joe Concha, a prominent media commentator, sarcastically remarked on the affair while challenging Psaki's claim to be a journalist.

Despite the controversy, Psaki’s comments in the interview focused on Emhoff’s supportive role in his marriage to Harris, asking how he feels about being referred to as a “wife guy.”

Emhoff responded lightheartedly, saying that if he ever annoys Harris, he shows her articles that praise him, suggesting the couple maintains a playful dynamic. However, the criticism of Emhoff’s past behavior overshadowed this aspect of the interview for many viewers.

Emhoff Emphasizes Support for Women

Throughout the interview, Emhoff continued to speak on issues important to women, such as pay equity, childcare, and family leave. He underscored his belief that supporting women is essential and stated that women should not have fewer rights or be treated differently in society. “That’s not the American way,” he said, framing his advocacy in the context of recent challenges to women’s rights, including the post-Dobbs decision landscape.

The interview presented Emhoff as a partner who is deeply committed to advancing women’s rights, but many critics remained focused on his past, questioning whether his actions aligned with his rhetoric.

Biden Campaign Aware of Emhoff’s Affair

In light of the controversy surrounding Emhoff, reports indicated that the Biden campaign was aware of his past affair during the vetting process for Harris’s selection as vice president. Despite the affair being public knowledge, Harris and Emhoff have maintained a strong partnership, and Harris has played a significant role in co-parenting his two children from his first marriage.

The interview highlighted Emhoff’s reflections on his current relationship with Harris, where he emphasized that their support for one another is mutual. Emhoff’s past, however, remained a sticking point for those who feel Psaki’s praise was unwarranted.

No Response to Controversy

Fox News Digital reached out for comments following the airing of the interview but did not receive an immediate response. As the backlash continued to gain momentum on social media, neither Emhoff nor Psaki responded directly to the specific criticisms about his past relationship with the nanny.

Despite this, Emhoff’s remarks during the interview focused on his personal growth and his current role as a supportive spouse. He pointed out that his actions during his first marriage were something for which he took responsibility and that the family has moved forward from them.

Conclusion

The interview between Jen Psaki and Doug Emhoff, which aired on Sunday, has sparked significant backlash due to Psaki’s praise for Emhoff’s role in reshaping perceptions of masculinity.

Critics have pointed to Emhoff’s past affair with his family’s nanny as evidence that he may not be deserving of such commendation. Despite the controversy, Emhoff emphasized mutual support in his marriage to Kamala Harris and his advocacy for women’s rights.

The Biden campaign was aware of Emhoff’s past when Harris was vetted, but the interview continues to raise questions about the portrayal of public figures and journalistic integrity.