NEW YORK – Jen Psaki is making a significant career transition, moving from the role of White House press secretary to a prominent position at MSNBC. Since 2023, Psaki has been hosting a Sunday show titled “Inside” on the network. Beginning May 6th, she will step into the prime-time slot on weekdays, taking over Rachel Maddow’s 9 p.m. Eastern hour from Tuesday to Friday. Maddow will continue with her one-night-a-week hosting on Mondays, a schedule she initiated at the start of the second Trump administration.
Psaki is set to replace Alex Wagner, who faced the challenge of retaining the viewership of MSNBC’s most popular host. This move by Psaki is among the first major decisions by new MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler, who is managing the network’s separation from NBC News. The program will also come with a fresh title, “The Briefing,” marking the end of Psaki’s current Sunday show.
In a conversation about her new role, Psaki reflected on her career at the White House and the responsibility she now feels at MSNBC, particularly during what she acknowledges as a challenging time for the network’s predominantly liberal audience. Her objective, she shared, is to tell “stories of hope.”
When asked if viewers should expect changes with her new show, Psaki noted that while the name is changing, several elements will remain consistent—such as featuring prominent newsmakers and discussions on policy impacts. The renaming is a deliberate shift from the idea that only insiders have answers, a sentiment she wants to challenge. Given the current socio-political climate, she emphasizes the growing necessity for reliable information and clarity.
Addressing the legacy of Maddow’s time slot, Psaki expressed admiration for Maddow’s connection with her audience, noting it would be impossible to replicate. Instead, Psaki plans to apply lessons learned from observing Maddow’s work ethic and fearless commentary. With decades of experience in Washington, D.C., Psaki intends to leverage her background to offer distinctive insights on her show.
Regarding her successor in the White House, Karoline Leavitt, Psaki acknowledged Leavitt’s abilities to command a room but pointed out the broader responsibilities of the job, including transparency and handling tough questions. Psaki critiqued Leavitt’s choice to limit access for experienced reporters, cautioning against actions that echo partial standpoints rather than offering impartial storytelling.
Discussing Leavitt’s interest in changing the dynamics of the press room, Psaki supported innovation but distinguished between modernizing access and excluding long-standing media members. This, Psaki suggests, compromises the integrity of press interactions.
Finally, Psaki addressed perceptions surrounding President Biden’s age and its portrayal. Reflecting on her time working with him, she emphasized his active engagement and capacity for demanding discourse, suggesting that views on his age might have evolved post her tenure.