Jen Psaki’s ‘Plane of Today’ Comment on Space Force Ignites Debate: Biden Administration’s Stance and Public Reaction

In the early days of the Biden administration, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki found herself at the center of a social media storm and a political debate after a memorable exchange regarding the United States Space Force. During a press briefing on February 2, 2021, Psaki was asked if President Joe Biden’s administration planned to “keep” the Space Force, a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces established by former President Donald Trump in December 2019. Her candid, somewhat flippant response, describing it as “the plane of today,” quickly went viral, sparking a wide range of reactions from amusement to strong condemnation.

The incident highlighted the complex interplay between new presidential administrations, legacy policies, and the rapid-fire world of modern political communication. While many online found humor in Psaki’s remark, it also drew sharp criticism from Republicans who viewed it as demeaning to a critical component of national security and the men and women serving in uniform.

The Initial Exchange: Humor, Ambiguity, and the “Plane of Today”

The question posed to Psaki during the briefing touched upon a relatively new and, for some, still somewhat novel branch of the military. The Space Force, signed into existence by President Trump in late 2019, marked the first new independent U.S. military service since the Air Force was created in 1947. Its mission is to organize, train, and equip space forces in order to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force.

When the reporter inquired about the Biden administration’s intentions regarding Space Force, Psaki’s reply was immediate and distinctly informal. “Wow. Space Force. It’s the plane of today,” Psaki responded, drawing an apparent comparison to an earlier question during the briefing about the color scheme of Air Force One, which she had also treated with a degree of levity. She then continued, “It is an interesting question. I am happy to check with our Space Force point of contact. I’m not sure who that is. I will find out and see if we have any update on that.”

It’s the plane of today” — Psaki dismisses a question about if Biden plans to keep the Space Force pic.twitter.com/cBrBj6hYUp

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 2, 2021

Psaki’s tone, perceived by some as dismissive or even mocking, quickly became the focal point. While her defenders argued that she simply lacked specific information at that moment and promised to follow up, her initial expression and comparison resonated differently across various audiences. For many, it encapsulated a perceived lack of seriousness from the new administration towards a military branch championed by the previous one. For others, it was simply a humorous moment, a relatable human reaction to a somewhat unusual question, especially in the context of pressing national issues.

Social Media Erupts: Memes, GIFs, and Diverse Reactions

Unsurprisingly, a clip of Psaki’s response rapidly circulated across Twitter, igniting a flurry of reactions that ranged from genuinely supportive to overtly critical and, most prominently, hilariously sarcastic. The internet, ever quick to turn political moments into memes, seized upon the “plane of today” comment and Psaki’s search for a “Space Force point of contact.”

Many Twitter users immediately began tweeting humorous responses and GIFs. One user, defending Psaki, tweeted, “She doesn’t seem condescending. She doesn’t dismiss it either, she said she would look into it. What more was she supposed to do? Build a rocket?” This tweet was accompanied by a GIF of chef Gordon Ramsay removing his glasses with the word “Seriously?” captioned over him, perfectly capturing the blend of exasperation and humor.

She doesn’t seem condescending. She doesn’t dismiss it either, she said she would look into it. What more was she supposed to do? Build a rocket? pic.twitter.com/RXhWiNqARL

— Design Gooney (@DesignGooney) February 2, 2021

The “Space Force point of contact” phrase also became a popular target for comedic posts. One user shared a clip of a Star Trek character with a shocked expression, simply captioning it, “Space Force point of contact,” playing on the sci-fi nature associated with space operations. Another shared an image from the 1987 cult sci-fi comedy film, Spaceballs, along with a more grounded caption: “Let’s eat and have shelter first, shall we?” This implied that the priorities of a space military branch might seem secondary to more immediate societal needs, reflecting a common sentiment among some critics of Space Force’s establishment.

Space Force point of contact pic.twitter.com/N6VFzsYRnD

— Marc The Snark (@MarcWitorsch) February 2, 2021

More tweets followed, with one user pairing the phrase “It is an interesting question” with a picture of aliens looking down at the camera, further emphasizing the perceived extraterrestrial or fantastical nature of the topic. Another user simply typed, “She said ‘spaaace fooorce'” with a laughing emoji and a skull emoji, highlighting the amusement derived from Psaki’s particular pronunciation and apparent disbelief.

Let’s eat and have shelter first, shall we? pic.twitter.com/lpW3RfCm8V

— 🦺⚔NO SURRENDER ☠🔥 (@NEVERSTOP212) February 2, 2021

These social media reactions illustrate how quickly political gaffes can be transformed into widely shared cultural phenomena, often overshadowing the underlying policy questions with humorous interpretations. The incident became a prime example of how brevity and tone in high-stakes environments can be instantly amplified and recontextualized online.

Republican Outcry: National Security Concerns and Political Backlash

While the internet found its humor, the reaction from a significant segment of the political establishment, particularly Republicans, was far from amused. Critics swiftly accused Psaki of disrespecting the military and undermining a critical national security initiative. The Space Force, despite its origin in the Trump administration, had garnered bipartisan support during its creation in Congress, a fact frequently emphasized by those who criticized Psaki.

Among the most vocal critics was Representative Mike Rogers (R-Ala.), the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee. Rogers issued a stern statement in response to Psaki’s comments, saying, “It’s concerning to see the Biden administration’s press secretary blatantly diminish an entire branch of our military as the punchline of a joke, which I’m sure China would find funny.” His comment directly linked Psaki’s remark to geopolitical adversaries, suggesting a national security risk in perceived disrespect for a military branch dedicated to space defense.

Rogers further pressed the point, reminding the public that “The Space Force was passed with near unanimous support in Congress, the same type of ‘unity’ President Biden is supposedly working towards.” He concluded his statement with a clear demand: “Jen Psaki needs to immediately apologize to the men and women of the Space Force for this disgraceful comment.” This highlighted the partisan tension, framing the incident not just as a misstep but as a direct affront to bipartisan legislative achievements and military personnel.

Representative Michael Waltz (R-Fla.), a founding member of the House Space Force Caucus and a former Green Beret, echoed Rogers’ sentiments. Waltz also criticized the White House for Psaki’s comments, stating, “This is just another example of the Biden administration not taking China seriously while demeaning the incredible work of Space Force personnel.” These statements underscored the strategic importance that many Republicans attach to Space Force, viewing it as essential for countering the growing space capabilities of rivals like China and Russia.

The Republican backlash illustrated how politically charged even seemingly innocuous comments can become, particularly when they involve the military or policies associated with a previous administration. The critics saw Psaki’s words as more than just a momentary lapse in judgment; they perceived it as indicative of a broader lack of appreciation or understanding within the Biden administration for critical defense initiatives.

Psaki’s Clarification: Damage Control or Reaffirmation?

In response to the mounting criticism, particularly from congressional Republicans, Jen Psaki took to the official White House Press Secretary Twitter account to address the situation. Her tweet, posted the day after the controversial briefing, offered a more measured and appreciative tone regarding the Space Force.

We look forward to the continuing work of Space Force and invite the members of the team to come visit us in the briefing room anytime to share an update on their important work.

— Jen Psaki (@PressSec) February 3, 2021

“We look forward to the continuing work of Space Force and invite the members of the team to come visit us in the briefing room anytime to share an update on their important work,” her tweet read. This statement, while not a direct apology, served as a clear effort to clarify the administration’s stance and acknowledge the importance of the Space Force. The language “look forward to the continuing work” implicitly confirmed that the Biden administration had no immediate plans to dismantle or diminish the branch, addressing the initial concern that prompted the reporter’s question.

The tweet also extended an open invitation, attempting to bridge any perceived gap and foster communication between the White House press corps and Space Force personnel. This move was widely interpreted as an exercise in damage control, aiming to quell the Republican outcry and reassure military members and defense advocates. It demonstrated the administration’s recognition of the political sensitivity surrounding military institutions and the need to project a unified, supportive front, even when initial remarks might have conveyed a different impression.

While some critics still felt an explicit apology was warranted, Psaki’s follow-up tweet largely diffused the immediate political tension surrounding the incident. It underscored the dynamic nature of White House communications, where off-the-cuff remarks can quickly necessitate official clarifications to manage public perception and inter-party relations.

The Enduring Debate: Space Force’s Future and Public Perception

Beyond the immediate controversy stirred by Jen Psaki’s remarks, the incident brought renewed attention to the broader debate surrounding the Space Force itself. Created under the Trump administration, the Space Force’s establishment was a significant strategic shift, recognizing space as a distinct warfighting domain alongside land, air, and sea. Its importance is underscored by the increasing weaponization of space by global powers and the reliance of modern militaries and economies on satellite technology.

The “plane of today” comment, regardless of its intent, inadvertently highlighted the challenge of integrating a new, technically complex, and strategically vital military branch into public consciousness and bureaucratic structures. For some, the humor derived from the situation reflected a lingering skepticism about the necessity or distinctiveness of Space Force, sometimes conflated with science fiction tropes rather than serious national defense. For others, it was a reminder of the need for continuous education and advocacy for the military’s space mission.

The episode also served as a valuable lesson in political communication. In an era where every word spoken in a White House briefing can be instantaneously dissected and amplified across social media, the balance between informal engagement and formal gravity is precarious. Psaki’s initial lightheartedness, while potentially humanizing, risked undermining the perceived seriousness of a national security institution, prompting a swift and forceful clarification from the administration.

Conclusion: A Moment of Viral Politics

Jen Psaki’s “plane of today” comment on the Space Force became a defining, albeit brief, moment in the early days of the Biden administration. It encapsulated a blend of viral humor, political sparring, and serious policy implications. From social media’s comedic interpretations to Republican lawmakers’ stern rebukes, the incident illustrated the multifaceted ways in which political discourse unfolds in the modern era.

Ultimately, the White House, through Psaki’s clarifying tweet, reaffirmed its commitment to the Space Force, signaling continuity in a critical area of national defense. Yet, the initial exchange served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required in official communications and the enduring challenge of navigating partisan divides while maintaining public confidence in the nation’s military institutions.