US Vice President JD Vance issued a sharp and unflinching defence of his wife, Usha Vance, this Sunday, December 21, responding to a series of personal attacks that have targeted her ethnicity and faith. In a candid interview, Vance made it clear that such rhetoric has no place in American public life.
Vance's Blunt Warning to Critics
Speaking to the outlet UnHerd, Vance left no room for ambiguity regarding attacks on his family. "Let me be clear," he stated. "Anyone who attacks my wife, whether their name is Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat s---. That’s my official policy as vice president of the United States." He emphasised that judging individuals based on their ethnic background or religion was fundamentally "disgusting" and should be rejected in politics.
The Nature of the Attacks
The Vice President's strong statement was a direct response to two separate incidents. Last month, far-right podcaster Nick Fuentes launched a vile, racist tirade against the couple on his show while criticising the MAGA movement. Fuentes used derogatory slurs against Usha Vance, who is of Indian descent and a Hindu, and also attacked the couple's children, mocking their names.
In a different vein, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki made remarks on the liberal "I’ve Had It" podcast, questioning Usha Vance's state of mind. Psaki said, "I always wonder what’s going on in the mind of his wife... Like, are you OK? Please blink four times. Come over here. We’ll save you." While not racially charged, Vance grouped this comment with Fuentes' attacks, stating that neither form of personal targeting was acceptable.
Usha Vance: A Historic Figure and Personal Pillar
Usha Chilukuri Vance holds the historic distinction of being the first Indian American second lady in US history. A accomplished lawyer specializing in civil litigation, she met her husband while they were both students at Yale Law School. The couple now has three children together.
This is not the first time the couple's interfaith marriage—Vance is a convert to Catholicism—has been in the spotlight. During an October event, Vance's comments about hoping his wife might eventually share his Christian faith drew some online criticism. He later clarified on X, writing that his wife was "the most amazing blessing" in his life and had encouraged his own faith journey. "She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert," he affirmed, adding his unwavering love and support for her.
Vance's forceful defence underscores his drawing of a firm red line around his family's privacy and dignity, marking a significant moment as he navigates his role in the national spotlight with a trailblazing spouse by his side.
