Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, recently gave a revealing interview to the Detroit Free Press, where she shared how much her life has changed since her husband took office. While the conversation covered topics like her legal career and personal life, the reaction online has focused more on what she said about JD Vance’s emotional state—and what she didn’t say about some of his controversial remarks.
“Our Lives Are Not Normal,” Usha Says
In the early April interview, Usha Vance made it clear that public life has deeply affected their family routine. “Obviously, our lives are not normal,” she said, adding that it feels “almost absurd” to suggest otherwise.
She explained that her husband often communicates with her via quick text messages between meetings. Though she didn’t suggest JD Vance asks her for political advice, she did say it’s about having someone to talk to in what can be a “lonely, lonely world.”
Social Media Reacts Swiftly and Strongly
The interview sparked a heated reaction across X (formerly Twitter), with many users focusing on Usha Vance’s comments about her husband being “very lonely.”
Photographer Thomas Keep out mocked the statement, writing, “Usha Vance: My husband is very lonely #LiarVance Ha ha ha ha sorry. At least he hasn’t been kidnapped and trafficked to a foreign prison!”
Journalist Jill Filipovic offered a more pointed critique, suggesting Usha was being used for public relations. “Usha is no doubt the more likable half of the Vance power couple, which is why she’s being trotted out to smooth over her husband’s awful comments,” she wrote. Filipovic added that Usha had benefited from liberal and feminist progress but now seemed to support policies that limit opportunities for other women.
Critics Say Usha Is Not Just a Bystander
Some online users pushed back against the idea that Usha Vance is just trying to survive in a political spotlight. Elie Mystal, a progressive attorney and writer for The Nation, tweeted, “She ABSOLUTELY KNOWS what she’s doing… She’s been totally on board for embracing ‘America’s Hitler’ so they’ll have more power.”
His comment got support from users like Amy Oosterhouse, who said, “Nothing I detest more than those who get their armful and pull the ladder up behind them.”
Heidi Timken added to the criticism, referencing an earlier interview where Usha was asked about JD Vance’s controversial “childless cat ladies” comment. “There was absolutely no clean-up by Usha,” Timken wrote. “She doubled down on the comment. She’s all in.”
Even users from overseas joined in, with U.K. resident Elvira Maddigan writing sarcastically, “Wife says the oaf is lonely. Wonder why…”
While Usha Vance may have intended her Detroit Free Press interview to show a more human side of political life, it has instead sparked a firestorm online. Critics say she’s enabling or ignoring her husband’s controversial views.
Others suggest she’s being used to soften his public image. Whatever the case, one thing is clear: in today’s political world, even personal remarks can become a flashpoint for public debate.
