JD Vance Faces Backlash Over Remarks on Wife Usha’s Faith
US Vice President JD Vance has found himself in the middle of a heated religious controversy after publicly expressing hope that his wife, Usha Vance, who was raised in a Hindu family, might one day embrace Christianity. His comments, made during a conservative event at the University of Mississippi hosted by Turning Point USA, drew both applause from supporters and sharp criticism from across the political and religious spectrum.
The controversy began when an Indian-origin student questioned Vance about how he ensures his children stay connected to their mother’s Hindu heritage and why immigrants are often expected to embrace Christianity to be considered “truly American.” In response, Vance acknowledged his wife’s Hindu upbringing but described her family as not particularly religious, a statement that many felt contradicted previous comments from Usha herself, who has spoken warmly about her devout parents and grandparents.
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Vance went on to speak about his own Christian beliefs, saying that while his wife has free will and no obligation to convert, he still hopes she will one day “see things as I do.” He added that their two older children attend a Christian school, and their eldest son recently received his First Communion. He also revealed that Usha joins him at Mass most Sundays—a revelation that set off strong reactions online from those who accused him of trying to convert her.
Social media erupted soon after. Some conservative followers praised Vance for being open about his faith, but others, including many Indian-Americans, accused him of making “Hinduphobic” remarks and using religion to appeal to Christian nationalist voters. One critic on X (formerly Twitter) even wrote, “It’s weird to throw your wife’s religion under the bus for applause.”
In response, Vance defended himself on social media, emphasizing that his comments were motivated by love and not by disrespect. “My wife is the most amazing blessing in my life,” he wrote. “She herself encouraged me to reengage with my faith many years ago. She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but I hope she may one day see things as I do. Regardless, I’ll continue to love and support her.”
The couple’s interfaith marriage has often been viewed as a symbol of cultural harmony—Usha’s parents, Radhakrishna and Lakshmi Chilukuri, immigrated from Andhra Pradesh to the US in the 1980s, and the pair reportedly held a Hindu wedding ceremony as well. They’ve even visited Hindu temples in India with their children.
Still, Vance’s comments have reignited debates about faith, identity, and personal freedom in America’s political discourse. His remarks reflect a broader tension in the US—between personal religious conviction and the respect for pluralism that defines the nation’s diversity. Whether intended or not, JD Vance’s words have placed both his marriage and his political persona under intense public scrutiny.
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