JD Vance dismisses speculation, says marriage with Usha remains ‘as strong as it’s ever been’
WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance revealed on Thursday, December 4, that he and his wife, Usha, are not bothered by the whirlwind of online speculation regarding their marriage.
In fact, the couple found the internet sleuths analyzing their every move to be a source of amusement.
"I think that we kind of get a kick out of it," Vance told NBC News during an interview in his West Wing office.
JD Vance shares anecdote about missing rings
The vice president was responding to a recent wave of tabloid-style headlines sparked after Second Lady Usha Vance was photographed without her wedding ring during a visit to a military base with First Lady Melania Trump.
"Our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been," Vance affirmed. "And I think Usha’s really taken to it, and it’s been kind of cool to see how she’s developed and evolved in this new role."
Vance shared a candid story that highlighted how the couple now navigated the intense scrutiny.
He recalled a recent moment when they were rushing to the White House for an event, and Usha realized she had left her rings behind after taking a shower.
"She was like, 'Oh, if I don’t go back and get them, there’s going to be some ridiculous p**cho who talks about it on social media,'" Vance recounted.
His response to his wife was a dismissal of the potential backlash.
"And I was like, let them. It’s not even worth the trip to run back upstairs," he said.
"So we actually have a little bit of fun with it. And we thought that whole viral social media cycle was kind of funny."
JD Vance says public scrutiny is sacrifice 'we signed up for’
The gossip mill went into overdrive last month when photos were published of Usha Vance's bare ring finger.
A spokesperson for the second lady quickly shut down the rumors with a relatable explanation.
The representative stated that Usha is "a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes."
Vance acknowledged that while they can laugh off some rumors, the glare of the spotlight does come with challenges.
"There are certainly ways in which it’s difficult on the family," he admitted. "I’m not going to pretend that it isn’t. But it’s the sacrifice that we signed up for."
Usha Vance steps into public role leading literacy program
The vice president also opened up about how his three children - aged 3, 5, and 8 - are adjusting to life in Washington.
He noted that his eldest son preferred privacy and didn't love the cameras, while his middle child enjoyed the perks of being the vice president's son.
"Our 5-year-old... he probably likes it too much. He loves the fact that wherever he goes, people treat him very specially. They always give him candy or cookies," Vance joked.
Usha Vance has largely maintained a low profile but is spearheading an administration program to promote childhood literacy.
"It’s been amazing to see her really lean into this child literacy thing," Vance said. "And I think it speaks very highly of her."
