The White House is set to welcome its first-ever Indian American and Hindu second lady, Usha Vance, following Ohio Senator JD Vance’s upcoming role as vice president. This historic milestone follows Doug Emhoff’s role as the first second gentleman and the first Jewish individual in the position. After major networks projected Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, JD Vance expressed his gratitude to his wife, Usha, for her support in achieving this role.
At 38, Usha Vance will be the youngest second lady since Jane Hadley Barkley in 1949, during the Truman administration. Born to Indian immigrant parents, she was raised in San Diego, where her family instilled Hindu values and academic dedication. Usha and JD Vance met at Yale Law School, later marrying in Kentucky in 2014. They now have three children.
Previously an attorney at the law firm Munger, Tolles & Olsen, Usha Vance recently stepped down to support her husband’s political journey. She has remained mostly behind the scenes during the campaign, except for her appearance at the Republican National Convention, where she introduced her husband and shared her pride in their diverse backgrounds.
In an October interview, Usha mentioned she hadn’t fully considered what initiatives she would take on as second lady, preferring to observe the role first. She described her and JD’s relationship as a “nice give and take,” noting that their differing political views bring balance to their partnership. Usha also commented on JD’s recent controversy involving a remark about Harris, suggesting it was an attempt to make a broader, substantial point rather than focusing on particular phrases. Despite their new political journey, the Vances are committed to providing a stable, private upbringing for their children, a top priority for both.
