Usha Vance made history on January 20, 2025, when her husband, James David Vance, took the oath of office as the Vice President of the United States, making Usha the first Indian-origin second lady of the US.
Background and Early Life
Usha Vance was born in San Diego to Indian immigrant parents, Chilukuri Radhakrishna and Lakshmi, who hailed from Vadluru, a village in Andhra Pradesh. Her father, a mechanical engineer from IIT Madras, and her mother, a molecular biologist, moved to the United States in 1986. Usha was raised in an upper-middle-class suburb of San Diego, where she enjoyed a comfortable and supportive upbringing.
Education and Marriage
Usha met JD Vance while they were both attending Yale Law School. Their shared academic ambitions led them to marry in 2014. The couple now has three children together. Usha’s educational background and her passion for public service have been key elements of her journey, both personally and professionally.
Inaugural Recognition
Usha’s moment in the limelight came after her husband’s inauguration. Following JD Vance’s inaugural speech, President Donald Trump took a moment to praise Usha, calling her “smarter” than her husband. Trump acknowledged JD Vance’s successful re-election campaign but added with humor, “The only one smarter is his wife.” He even joked about choosing her if the line of succession had worked differently.
Her Role as Second Lady
As the second lady, Usha Vance’s prominence continues to grow, with her heritage and accomplishments being celebrated at a national level. Her status as the first Indian-origin second lady of the United States represents a significant milestone for both her family and the wider Indian community.
