Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who is now an MSNBC contributor, said her “worst nightmare” would be “running for office,” adding that her political career is officially over.
In March, Psaki is set to launch a new show on MSNBC called “Inside with Jen Psaki,” which will run on Sundays at noon. The debut of her new show will mean the end of her political aspirations, Psaki told The New York Times in an interview released Tuesday.
“I am not joining a re-elect ever again,” she said. “Nor do I have any plans to go back to government. Ever.”
About potentially running for office herself, Psaki said, “God forbid.”
“That’s my worst nightmare,” she added.
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 13: White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki waves goodbye after her final daily press briefing at the White House on May 13, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
“Inside with Jen Psaki” is slated to feature one-on-one interviews with lawmakers and analysts. Psaki will also contribute a regular column for MSNBC Daily.
JUST ANNOUNCED: @jrpsaki will debut “Inside with Jen Psaki” on Sunday, March 19 at 12 p.m. ET on @MSNBC.
Psaki will also contribute a regular column for @MSNBCDaily and develop a new original streaming show set to launch this spring.
MORE: https://t.co/pC48jUYlhB pic.twitter.com/NT26mmWQgr
— MSNBC Public Relations (@MSNBCPR) February 21, 2023
The former press secretary rebuked criticisms that she would vehemently defend her former boss President Joe Biden on air.
“I am not going to gratuitously attack him, nor am I going to gratuitously applaud him,” she said. “If he deserves applause, I will applaud him. If he deserves critique, I will critique him.” (RELATED: Jen Psaki To Host New MSNBC Sunday Show)
“I am not going on television to be a mouthpiece,” she added, noting that she was critical of Biden’s handling of classified documents.
In April, Psaki was scrutinized over negotiating her future employment with MSNBC from the White House podium.
“I have taken the ethical requirements very seriously and any discussions and any considerations about any future employment just as any White House official would and have taken steps beyond that to ensure there’s no conflicts,” Psaki responded to reporters’ concerns about the ethics of her negotiations with a media company.