Sign in

JD Vance's big clarification amid row over Christianity remark on wife: 'Usha encouraged me...'

Amid outrage over his willingness to see his Hindu wife one day become a Christian, JD Vance issued a clarification, stating that she had "no plans to convert".

Updated on: Nov 1, 2025, 06:31:02 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

A question, an answer and a big backlash- US Vice President JD Vance is at the centre of a big controversy following his remarks on wife Usha Vance. It all started with him expressing willingness to one day see his Hindu wife embrace Christianity, words that many took as a big admission: "Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, I honestly do with that."

US Vice President JD Vance (R) and US Second Lady Usha Vance (AFP/File)
US Vice President JD Vance (R) and US Second Lady Usha Vance (AFP/File)

A video of his remarks quickly went viral on social media, also garnering attention in India. Amid backlash over his willingness to see his wife one day become a Christian, JD Vance issued a big clarification, stating that she had "no plans to convert".

Even as he shared that his wife didn't plan on embracing Christianity, he reiterated that he hopes for her to “one day see things as I do”. “She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but like many people in an interfaith marriage--or any interfaith relationship--I hope she may one day see things as I do. Regardless, I'll continue to love and support her and talk to her about faith and life and everything else, because she's my wife,” Vance wrote.

The American Vice President also said that it was Usha who encouraged him to reconnect with the Christian faith again. This was also revealed by Usha Vance months ago when she shared that her husband wasn't a Catholic when the two met in Yale University.

“My Christian faith tells me the Gospel is true and is good for human beings. My wife--as I said at the TPUSA--is the most amazing blessing I have in my life. She herself encouraged me to reengage with my faith many years ago,” Vance wrote in a tweet, which was made in response to a now-deleted post that the VP said reflected “anti-Christian bigotry”.

JD Vance raked up a storm with remarks on his interfaith marriage that he made during an event organised by Turning Point USA, found by slain pro-right activist Charlie Kirk. Kirk's widow Erika was also present at the event.

Defending the statements, Vance said they were made in response to a question and that he didn't plan on avoiding giving an answer. He was taking questions from students at the University of Mississippi at the event.

"Now most Sundays Usha will come with me to church," Vance had said, adding: “As I've told her and I've said publicly, and I’ll say now in front to 10,000 of my closest friends: Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, I honestly do with that. Because I believe in the Christian gospel and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way”.

Notably, the question that triggered this answer was asked by a woman believed to be of Indian origin. She had asked Vance how he and Usha were bringing up their three kids in an inter-racial, and inter-religious household.

In his answer, Vance had also disclosed that he and Usha had decided to raise their three children Christian, and that they even attend a Christian school.

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest headlines from US news and global updates from Pakistan, Nepal, UK, Bangladesh, Russia and US Iran war Live, get all the latest headlines in one place on Hindustan Times.