The Silent Burden of Usha Vance: 5 Secret Facts of America’s Second Lady (2 of 3)

Reluctance to Embrace Spotlight

Even though she has impressive credentials and a very calm presence, Usher has never seemed to jump at the chance to be in the spotlight. She has even admitted that political endeavors were not something she envisioned for her daily life. Prior to JD being named a vice-presidential nominee for the Republican ticket she expressed hesitation with accepting change to their lives at the time.

But when the time came, Usha stepped up and supported JD. She stepped away from her high-powered career in law in July 2024, and was there by JD’s side to support him on the campaign trail, and back at home with their three kids. The sacrifice she made was seen as not just obligation, but love and devotion to her husband.

Maneuvering Racism and Online Abuse

As the daughter of Indian immigrants, Usha has had to endure much hatred in relation to her husband’s political affiliations and her racial background. The racism has been public in nature and downright vile. Nationalist extremists like Nick Fuentes have attacked Usha’s religion and attempted to dehumanize her in an effort to ultimately discredit JD.

JD has been vocal publicly in responding to the abuse, defending her with messages to her attackers that she is out of their league. It has been a bonus that JD is willing and ready to defend her, but it also underscores the battles that Usha has had to endure as a result of her now public life with JD. She has not frequently discussed how she feels about the abuse, but has acknowledged it on occasion, expressing that it wears on her emotionally and on her biracial children.