Vice President JD Vance is currently under scrutiny for remarks he made regarding his wife’s religious beliefs.
Vance, who is known for his strong Catholic faith, is married to Usha Vance, who has a Hindu background. The couple has openly discussed their family’s interfaith dynamics, including trips to India and naming one of their children Vivek, a name that signifies Wisdom in Sanskrit.
Despite their previous openness, Vance faced criticism for comments made during an event at the University of Mississippi, sponsored by Turning Point USA, where Erika Kirk has taken leadership following the assassination of her husband, founder Charlie Kirk.
When asked about his wife’s religious background, Vance described her upbringing in a “not particularly religious” Hindu family and mentioned that their children are being raised as Christians. He expressed a desire for Usha to eventually embrace Catholicism.
Vance stated, “I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian gospel, and I hope eventually, my wife comes to see it the same way,” adding that if she doesn’t, it wouldn’t be an issue due to the concept of free will.
His comments have drawn significant backlash on social media, particularly from Indian-American commentator Deep Barot, who criticized Vance for minimizing his wife’s Hindu roots. Barot suggested that this could be a political misstep if Vance plans to run for president in 2028.
Nirmalya Dutta and transgender activist Ari Drennen also criticized Vance, with Drennen speculating about potential marital repercussions.
Earlier in the year, Usha Vance discussed her religious perspective with Meghan McCain, revealing that while her husband converted to Catholicism, influenced by the desire to raise their children in that faith, she has chosen not to convert. She emphasized the importance of allowing their children to explore both religious traditions.
“The kids know that I’m not Catholic, and they have plenty of access to the Hindu tradition from books that we give them, to things that we show them, to the recent trip to India, and some of the religious elements of that visit,” Usha explained.
The White House has been contacted for their response.