Expert says Usha Vance mimicked ‘FLOTUS-like’ style as JD projected a ‘presidential’ image in Greenland

Expert says Usha Vance mimicked ‘FLOTUS-like’ style as JD projected a ‘presidential’ image in Greenland
JD Vance joined his wife Usha Vance on a highly contentious visit to Greenland in March 2025 (Jim Watson - Pool / Getty Images)

PITUFFIK, GREENLAND: JD Vance and his wife Usha recently made a rare public appearance together during their visit to Greenland.

The vice president joined his wife Usha on a highly contentious visit to Greenland last month, a decision that only increased diplomatic tensions as the US continued to push for taking over the Danish semi-autonomous territory.

Vance, who has faced backlash in the past for comments labeled “demeaning” toward his wife, seems to have taken a backseat lately.



 

JD Vance channels ‘presidential' energy

While President Trump continues to sideline JD Vance publicly in favor of his new favorite, Elon Musk, who now heads the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the VP appears unbothered. In fact, body language experts say he’s leaning into his own spotlight.

PITUFFIK, GREENLAND - MARCH 28: US Vice President JD Vance (C) poses with Second Lady Usha Vance (2nd L), National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (3rd L), his wife , former homeland security advisor, Julia Nesheiwat (L) and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright (R) as they tour the US military's Pituffik Space Base on March 28, 2025 in Pituffik, Greenland. The itinerary for the visit was scaled back after a plan for a more extensive trip drew criticism from officials in Greenland and Denmark, which controls foreign and defence policy of the semiautonomous territory. (Photo by Jim Watson - Pool / Getty Images)
Vice President JD Vance poses with second lady Usha Vance, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, his wife, former homeland security advisor, Julia Nesheiwat and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright as they tour the US military's Pituffik Space Base on March 28, 2025, in Pituffik, Greenland (Jim Watson - Pool / Getty Images)

“The Vances' body language on this trip shows the couple appearing to play it in a presidential style,” body language expert Judi James told The Irish Star.

“Despite all the controversy, JD in particular looks determined to showboat and to look positive and popular. He projects a sense of relaxed fun, as though he is very much the center of attention and affection," she continued.

PITUFFIK, GREENLAND - MARCH 28: US Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance board Air Force Two after touring the US military's Pituffik Space Base on March 28, 2025 in Pituffik, Greenland. The itinerary for the visit was scaled back after a plan for a more extensive trip drew criticism from officials in Greenland and Denmark, which controls foreign and defence policy of the semiautonomous territory. (Photo by Jim Watson - Pool / Getty Images)
 Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance board Air Force Two after touring the US military's Pituffik Space Base on March 28, 2025, in Pituffik, Greenland (Jim Watson - Pool / Getty Images)

Vance’s wife Usha displays the body language style of a first lady, the expert noted.

According to James, “Usha is rather more in adult mode, but we have the photo of her gazing back at her husband with a look of FLOTUS-like affection and admiration,” adding, “The way he stands at the top of the plane steps waving to what he appears to suggest is a crowd of friends and fans while Usha pauses half-way down to turn back and grin at him is particularly iconic.”

She suggested that Vance could be seeking to move up the political ladder. "He seems to see himself as a popular political figure and personality in his own right and he looks keen to promote that as his brand," she said.

JD Vance jokes about wife Usha keeping a cheerful face in public spotlight



 

Vice President JD Vance attempted to charm a Michigan crowd  on Friday, March 14, with offhand remarks about his wife, Usha Vance, only to find himself the target of growing criticism online.

During a public appearance, Vance turned toward his wife, a Yale Law School graduate and mother of their three children, and quipped, “I’m so proud to have her by my side,” JD Vance said, adding, “And here’s the thing, because the cameras are all on, anything that I say, no matter how crazy, Usha has to smile and laugh and celebrate it… I’m going to be good though, honey.”

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - JULY 17: Republican vice presidential candidate, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) is joined by his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Delegates, politicians, and the Republican faithful are in Milwaukee for the annual convention, concluding with former President Donald Trump accepting his party's presidential nomination. The RNC takes place from July 15-18. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
JD Vance is joined by his wife Usha Chilukuri Vance on stage on the third day of the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum on July 17, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Usha, standing behind him, laughed along in the moment. So did some in the crowd but viewers at home weren’t so amused. The clip quickly spread across social media, where critics labeled the comment “cringe,” and “patronizing".

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