Jen Psaki says it’s ‘infuriating’ Dems are blamed for rhetoric despite urging to ‘tone it down’
WASHINGTON, DC: Jen Psaki said Democrats are being blamed for political rhetoric despite what she described as consistent calls from the party to lower tensions.
Her remarks come in the aftermath of the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (WHCD), which has intensified discussion around political language and public discourse.
Jen Psaki says Democrats urged to ‘tone down rhetoric’ amid tensions
On MSNBC’s' The Briefing,' Psaki addressed claims that Democratic rhetoric has contributed to a heightened political climate.
She said that, based on what she has observed, Democratic leaders have been urging restraint rather than escalation.
“What I hear over and over again is Democrats saying, please tone it down, please tone down the rhetoric, that’s not what we stand for. And we have seen, frankly, from the other side, from Trump and others, elevated rhetoric.”
That, she said, is why she is frustrated when Democrats are criticized for their rhetoric.
Psaki suggested that the current narrative does not fully reflect how Democratic leaders have approached the issue in recent months.
Political rhetoric debate intensifies after WHCD shooting incident
Psaki also said, “It’s so infuriating, I think, probably to a lot of people watching, when an act of political violence happens or attempted political violence, and, all of a sudden, the Democrats are blamed all for their rhetoric, when what I hear over and over again is Democrats saying, please tone it down, please tone down the rhetoric, that’s not what we stand for.”
The WHCD shooting has prompted reactions from across the political spectrum, with many leaders addressing both security concerns and the tone of public debate.
“And we have seen, frankly, from the other side, from Trump and others, elevated rhetoric. Now you don’t want to get a he-said-she-said place. But it’s really infuriating.”
Psaki’s remarks add to the wider conversation about how political language is framed and interpreted, particularly after high-profile incidents.
Some commentators have argued that rhetoric contributes to divisions, while others have called for a focus on security and law enforcement response.
Sen Mark Kelly (D-AZ) responded by noting that political violence has been directed at people on the right, such as the Charlie Kirk assassination, and saying, “I don’t think just one party is responsible. I do think we all have to try better.”
The discussion continues as authorities review the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while public figures weigh in on its implications. Psaki’s comments highlight one side of the ongoing debate over responsibility and tone in political messaging.
