Whether you agree with her or not, there's no denying White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki is the most skillfull navigator of her job we've seen in years. Even Fox News host Chris Wallace thinks so, complimenting Psaki's skills in a recent commentary.
But Sean Spicer, the first Press Secretary to former Republican President Donald Trump from January to July 2017, is not having it.
During an appearance on far-right network Newsmax, Spicer sounded downright salty about Wallace's comments.
See the moment below.
"I'm not really sure what Jen [Psaki] has done to deserve this other than not take serious, tough questions," said fmr. WH Press Secretary @seanspicer of Fox's Chris Wallace's comments about Jen Psaki, on Monday's "National Report". pic.twitter.com/eUJgrBgL8F
— Newsmax (@newsmax) October 25, 2021
Spicer's comments came in response to a recent quote from Fox's Chris Wallace about the adversarial relationship between Fox News' Peter Doocy and Psaki, who frequently clash during press briefings. Wallace praised both figures for the way they handle their respective jobs, calling Psaki "one of the best press secretaries ever."
Spicer—who was subject to mostly criticism during his tenure—disagreed.
"It would be interesting for... him to expand on that in terms of why... I've always been partial to Ari Fleischer. Ari guided us through 9/11 with the calm, professional reassurance that was really needed."
And though he stopped short of citing himself as "one of the best," Spicer went on to hurl sour grapes at Psaki.
"I'm not really sure what Jen has done to deserve this, other than not take serious, tough questions."
That's a pretty rich accusation coming from Spicer, who led the press arm of an administration that refused to even hold press briefings on a daily basis and frequently barred the briefings it held from being broadcast.
Among the notorious cadre of Trump's White House Press Secretaries, Spicer became particularly infamous for press briefings so absurdly combative and full of easily refutable lies he was regularly lampooned in memes and SNL sketches.
Despite this, it was clear Wallace's comments struck a nerve and Spicer feels he deserves more of Wallace's respect.
He went on to say:
"It's interesting from a guy who purports himself to be a tough reporter, to sort of hold [Psaki] up as an example isn't really what I would have expected."
On Twitter, people found Spicer's attitude as laughable as all the late-night comedy sketches that lampooned him back in 2017.
Chris Wallace is right about Psaki being the best Press Secretary.
BUT you, Mr. Sean Spicer had the best SNL parody! pic.twitter.com/AGFgd1Ft1a
— 😷—((( Freddy Atton )))—😷 (@freddyatton) October 23, 2021
I will agree that Spicer was much funnier on SNL than Psaki
— Dennis Hinkamp (@DennisHinkamp) October 25, 2021
Somebody's jealous.
— Iannette Lopez (@highdesertmom) October 25, 2021
Obviously peeved that Jen brilliantly outshines him on every front and is admired by conservative media. Sean is so petty, but what else is new.
— Sherry Bruck (@sherrybruck) October 25, 2021
Jesus. These people. Has there ever been a whinier bunch? Their corruption is bad enough—do they have to be crybabies, too? ☹️😩😭🙄 https://t.co/dNWWRI7CiI
— 2022ElectionsAreNowInProgress (@ClaudiaWheatley) October 25, 2021
He shouldn't even be considered a press secretary. He's more of a head cheerleader. This Sean Spicer ⬇️ was a better press secretary than @seanspicer. Jen Psaki has elevated the position. pic.twitter.com/ykA5Y8i5RS
— MARYK (@MARYK33679014) October 25, 2021
Sean Spicer spent his time defending a weak man's ego and Jen Psaki spends her time defending against idiots trying to push the Big Lie and tear down our democratic institutions.
— Devin Duke (@sirDukeDevin) October 25, 2021
How I remember him: pic.twitter.com/izOZytpStm
— Blasine Astolat (@BlasineA) October 25, 2021
He's so jealous he can hardly stand it.
Imagine being Sean Spicer and then seeing a totally amazing pro like Jen Psaki put you to shame every single day.
— Khashoggi's Ghost (@UROCKlive1) October 25, 2021
Awww
Are you jealous of Jen Psaki, Sean?
Did you think Chris Wallace would consider YOU?
After you lied about something as insignificant as crowd size-setting the tone for Trump's 30,000+ lies in office
Your fate was sealed
— Adam Cohen Lawyers for Good Government #DemCast (@axidentaliberal) October 23, 2021
You were a dud, get over it. Btw, what was that hiding from the press behind the bushes thing?
Sean Spicer: Jen Psaki doesn't 'deserve' compliments from Chris Wallace https://t.co/f7d4optITc
— Rico.. #TrumpIsVaxxedToo (@Pulsa48) October 25, 2021
Spicer's distaste for Psaki may have other more personal origins.
Last month, Democratic President Joe Biden's administration requested the resignation of several Trump appointees, including Spicer, from the advisory boards at military service academies.
Psaki said the decision was made because the appointees in question are not "qualified to serve."
@lordye/Bluesky