As a devoted believer, Leavitt didn’t stop at the White House briefing room — she took an even bolder step demanding an apology, sparking major turmoil for MSNBC.

White House Firebrand Karoline Leavitt Ignites MSNBC Meltdown Over Psaki’s Prayer Slight

In a fiery clash that’s set the political and media worlds ablaze, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has unleashed a storm of controversy, demanding an unprecedented public apology from her predecessor, Jen Psaki, now an MSNBC host. The spark? Psaki’s dismissive comments about the power of prayer following the heartbreaking Minneapolis mass shooting on August 27, 2025, where two children were killed and 17 others injured during a school’s morning Mass. Leavitt, a staunch believer, didn’t just call out Psaki in the White House briefing room—she took a jaw-dropping step further, igniting a firestorm that’s threatening to engulf MSNBC in chaos.

The tragedy in Minneapolis, where a lone gunman opened fire through the windows of a Catholic church with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, leaving a trail of devastation and a smoke bomb at the scene, has left the nation reeling. As families mourned and communities sought solace, Psaki took to X, slamming the oft-repeated “thoughts and prayers” response to gun violence. “Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayer does not end school shootings. [P]rayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers,” she wrote, sparking instant backlash from those who hold faith dear.

Leavitt, known for her sharp wit and unyielding principles, didn’t mince words during her Thursday press conference. “Jen Psaki’s remarks are incredibly insensitive and disrespectful to the tens of millions of Americans of faith who believe in the power of prayer,” she declared, her voice steady but searing. “It’s utterly disgraceful to deride the spiritual convictions of this country, especially at a time when families are clinging to hope and solace. I urge Ms. Psaki to apologize and show respect for the faith of millions of Americans.”

But Leavitt didn’t stop there. In a move that sent shockwaves through the media landscape, she announced she would lead a coalition of faith-based organizations to boycott MSNBC until Psaki delivers a public apology—live on air—during her show, The Briefing with Jen Psaki. “This isn’t just about one comment,” Leavitt stated. “It’s about a pattern of disdain for the values that millions hold sacred. If MSNBC wants to keep its audience, it needs to address this head-on.” The bold ultimatum, delivered with the fervor of a preacher at the pulpit, has thrust MSNBC into a public relations nightmare, with advertisers and viewers alike caught in the crossfire.

The boycott call, backed by prominent religious leaders and conservative influencers, has gained traction faster than a wildfire in a dry forest. Hashtags like #ApologizePsaki and #BoycottMSNBC trended on X within hours, with users flooding the platform with messages of support for Leavitt and outrage at Psaki. “Faith is our anchor in times of tragedy,” one user posted. “How dare Psaki mock it?” Another wrote, “Karoline Leavitt is standing up for what’s right. MSNBC needs to feel the heat!” The network’s social media accounts have been inundated with demands for accountability, while some advertisers are reportedly reconsidering their partnerships.

Inside MSNBC, the mood is one of panic. Sources close to the network reveal that executives are scrambling to contain the fallout. Psaki’s comments, while resonating with some gun control advocates, have alienated a significant portion of the network’s already polarized audience. “Jen’s post was meant to highlight the need for action, but it’s been weaponized against us,” an anonymous MSNBC insider told this outlet. “Leavitt’s boycott is hitting us where it hurts—our bottom line.” Rumors are swirling that the network is pressuring Psaki to issue a statement to quell the uproar, but the former press secretary has remained uncharacteristically silent since the controversy erupted.

Adding fuel to the fire, White House Communications Secretary Steven Cheung didn’t hold back, blasting Psaki on X: “You are a disgusting human being. I hope you circle back with an apology.” The phrase “circle back,” a nod to Psaki’s infamous catchphrase from her White House days, has become a rallying cry for critics, further amplifying the controversy. Meanwhile, MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough echoed Psaki’s sentiments on Morning Joe, arguing, “Hope, pray, and act—but Republicans won’t act.” His comments, while less inflammatory, have done little to calm the storm, with Leavitt’s supporters accusing the network of doubling down on its anti-faith stance.

Leavitt’s bold move has positioned her as a hero to many conservatives and religious Americans, who see her as a fearless defender of their values. “Karoline’s not just a press secretary; she’s a warrior for faith,” said Pastor Michael Reynolds, a prominent evangelical leader backing the boycott. “This is about more than Psaki—it’s about holding media accountable for mocking what millions hold dear.” Political analysts are calling Leavitt’s strategy a masterstroke, noting that it taps into a deep well of frustration among Americans who feel their beliefs are under siege by coastal elites.

For MSNBC, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The network, already grappling with declining ratings in a fragmented media landscape, now faces the prospect of losing advertisers and viewers to competitors who’ve seized on the controversy. Fox News and Newsmax have gleefully covered the boycott, framing it as a reckoning for “woke media.” “MSNBC thought they could sneer at faith and get away with it,” a Fox commentator quipped. “Leavitt’s showing them they’re wrong.”

As the boycott gains momentum, questions loom about Psaki’s next move. Will she double down, risking further alienation, or offer the apology Leavitt demands? Insiders say Psaki is torn, aware that any apology could be seen as capitulation by her progressive base. “Jen’s in a no-win situation,” a former colleague remarked. “She either alienates her audience or fuels the boycott. It’s a mess.”

For now, Leavitt stands firm, her call for accountability resonating across the heartland. The Minneapolis tragedy, already a national wound, has become a battleground for a larger cultural war—one where faith, politics, and media collide. As the nation mourns, all eyes are on MSNBC, waiting to see if Psaki will bend or if the network will weather the storm. One thing’s certain: Karoline Leavitt has thrown down the gauntlet, and the fallout is far from over.