Vice President JD Vance has issued a robust defense of his remarks regarding his wife Usha Vance’s religious beliefs, describing the backlash as ‘disgusting’ and a manifestation of ‘anti-Christian bigotry.’ Vance stated his wife, a Hindu, currently has no intention of converting to Christianity.
The controversy began when Vance, at a public event, voiced his hope that his wife would eventually embrace Christianity. This statement quickly sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many interpreting it as disrespectful to her Hindu faith and a bid for public approval.
Vance responded sharply via X, calling the criticism ‘disgusting’ and the latest in a series of similar attacks. He explained that he was addressing a question about his interfaith marriage and felt it necessary to answer directly as a public figure, rather than dodge the query. He argued that the criticism was rooted in prejudice against Christians.
He further elaborated that his comments were not intended to diminish his wife’s faith or pressure her. Vance emphasized that adopting a religion is a decision based on ‘God-given free will,’ and he would never seek to impose his beliefs. He also acknowledged Usha’s positive impact on his own spiritual life, crediting her with inspiring his return to Christianity.
Vance also engaged with critics such as Ezra Levant, reaffirming that his marriage to Usha is built on strong principles of ‘mutual respect, trust, and understanding,’ irrespective of their religious differences. While he holds personal hopes for spiritual alignment, he stressed his unwavering respect for her Hindu faith. The incident has prompted renewed national debate on interfaith relationships and the role of religion in public discourse.