Usha Vance nearly fell while carrying her infant son down the stairs of Marine Two on Monday.
The second lady, 39, was descending from the vice presidential helicopter at Joint Base Andrews with nine-week-old Alec Neel Vance strapped to her chest in a baby carrier when she appeared to miss a step near the bottom. She had one hand on the railing and another on the baby’s head, a diaper bag flung over her shoulder, as she briefly lost her balance.
Four service members on the tarmac looked on as Usha quickly reached for the second railing and managed to steady herself without falling.
Vice President JD Vance, 40, emerged from the helicopter moments later carrying their 4-year-old daughter, Mirabel, and met a smiling Usha at the bottom of the stairs. The family was departing for Alaska, where the vice president is scheduled to campaign for Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).
“As you probably saw, Usha and a couple of the kids are joining,” JD Vance told reporters on the tarmac. “This is Usha’s 50th state, which is why we are bringing a nine-week-old baby on a seven-and-a-half-hour flight to Alaska.”
He added a self-deprecating joke about the journey ahead.
“So if I give a speech tonight and I looked haggard and stressed out, that’s exactly why,” he continued.
The vice president had previewed the family trip earlier on social media, posting on X: “Usha and a couple of the kids are joining. This is Usha’s 50th state, which is why we are bringing a nine week old baby on a seven and a half hour flight to Alaska.”
The near-stumble drew immediate attention online, with viewers scrutinizing the reaction of the service members who stood nearby during the incident. Some social media users questioned why none of the military personnel stepped in to assist the second lady as she teetered on the steps with her newborn.
The Vances’ Alaska trip marks a significant milestone for Usha, who will notch her 50th state visit with the journey. The family is traveling with multiple children for the campaign swing, making the long flight with an infant in tow.
The vice president’s campaign stop comes as he continues to build his national profile following his selection as former President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election. Sullivan, whom Vance will stump for, is seeking reelection in the solidly Republican state.
JD Vance is scheduled to deliver a speech in Alaska on Monday evening.