In her first in-depth interview since becoming Second Lady of the United States, Usha Vance is shedding light on her behind-the-scenes role in her husband JD Vance’s political life.
Speaking to The Free Press, Usha Vance—wife of Vice President JD Vance—opened up about the personal and political adjustments that have come with her husband’s rise in national politics.
She candidly revealed that being SLOTUS (Second Lady of the United States) can be isolating at times, especially for her husband.
“I don’t know that he’s asking me for advice so much as it can be a very lonely, lonely world not to share with someone,” she told the outlet.
The Unlikely Face of MAGA?
A former attorney and Yale Law graduate, Usha Vance stands out in a political movement often stereotyped for its image-conscious culture. But the 39-year-old mother of three says her experience within the MAGA community has been surprisingly warm and accepting—despite not fitting the common mold.
Asked what it was like being an Indian-American woman in what the reporter jokingly called “MAGA-land” filled with blondes, botox, and nine-inch heels, Usha responded with humor and humility.
“I’m laughing because it would be really hard for me to be blonde,” she said. “That color would look totally absurd.”
Instead, she embraces her natural appearance and has no plans to hide the signs of aging. “I’d much rather go gray,” she said.
Despite the perceived cultural contrast, Usha shared that her entrance into the political spotlight has been mostly positive.
“For what it’s worth, my reception into this world—and I’m not from a particularly wealthy background, not from a very fashion-oriented background personally or professionally—has been really positive. People don’t seem to care all that much what I look like.”
From Yale Law to the National Stage
Like her husband, Usha Vance holds a degree from Yale and had a successful career as an attorney in Washington, D.C. before stepping away from her legal work when JD Vance was chosen as Donald Trump’s running mate.
Her transition into public life came quickly and without preparation.
“The day before JD was selected—I did not know he was going to be selected—I was working as a lawyer,” she explained. “I had the wardrobe of a person with three children who likes to do things outdoors, who has a dog, who doesn’t like things to be too precious. And then a switch flipped.”
Usha noted that stepping into the Second Lady role didn’t come with a stylist or guidebook. The transformation was organic and, at times, overwhelming—but not without its rewards.
Embracing a New Chapter
Despite the challenges, Usha says her journey through the Senate campaign and now life in the White House has been “almost uniformly positive.”
“People have just been quite accepting,” she said, noting that even during the campaign trail, she was regularly approached with kindness and support from Trump and Vance supporters.
As the first Indian-American and first Hindu to hold the title of Second Lady, Usha Vance is navigating uncharted territory. Yet, her grounded perspective, strong family values, and sincere approach have earned her a warm reception in circles that might have once seemed unfamiliar.
