In the ever-growing spectacle of American politics, only a few individuals have sparked both fascination and suspicion at the same time. One of the names is Second Lady, Usha Vance. A Harvard-educated lawyer, former clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts, and now the wife of former Ohio Senator and current Vice President J.D. Vance.
The Second Lady has emerged as the epitome of polished composure and silent strength. At this point, Usha’s image is both aspirational and enigmatic. But as the spotlight sharpens, several questions arise. Is Usha Vance genuinely the American Dream come true or simply a carefully placed accessory in her husband’s passage to power?
Born Usha Chilukuri, she holds an impressive resume. Raised by Indian immigrant parents, she is educated at Yale Law School, where she met her husband. Usha however, boasts a profile that might look like a diversity hire for the American meritocracy. No doubt, she is composed, brilliant and deeply accomplished. But some feel she’s not just the Second Lady, but a symbol.
Her story, internet users feel represents the Indian-American Dream.
The Wall Street Journal even called it out in a headline, “J.D. Vance and the Indian American Dream.” However, here is where the contradiction lies. Many Twitter users argue that Usha’s identity as an Indian-American woman is being used more as a political tokenism than an authentic narrative.
People on Reddit and Twitter have pointed out that Usha Vance seems to have done very little in the public sphere. She only plays the role of a dutiful, camera-ready political wife. They feel her silence, especially when it comes to J.D. Vance’s controversial comments on immigrants and women, is deafening. People ask, ‘How can an Indian-born woman, married to a man who routinely denigrates the very policies that allowed her family to thrive, remain so quietly loyal?’
Usha Vance exudes confidence and ease in social settings. Her warm, authentic smile has a contagious charm. She possesses a striking beauty and elegance, and the affectionate way she looks at her husband is truly endearing. pic.twitter.com/Vw0DUrLY6d
— Kelly (@kellytx2) March 31, 2025
Some users believe Usha is doing what most political personalities do, choosing power over identity. But this is a sentiment that has stoked disappointment in corners of the South Asian diaspora. Usha once stood as a representation of the educated, poised, politically aware Indian woman. Now however, some see her as a cautionary tale.
Some say she is proof that the American Dream, when finally within reach, can cost more than just cultural compromise, it can mean losing yourself entirely. The question here is not just who Usha Vance really is. It is also who she used to be, and why somewhere along the way, she stopped being “one of us” and became “one of them.”
Usha was pivotal in charting Vance’s political career. She also guided him well through Yale Law School as he had to adjust into a completely different nation. Also an excellent, intelligent career woman. She’d be the best First Lady since Barbara Bush. https://t.co/4TVyOQwPPO pic.twitter.com/amI0yHExJw
— Mearsheimer Jr (Fan) (@Real_Politik101) July 27, 2024
That being said, we must acknowledge that we hardly know anything about Usha Vance, given how private she is. It could be that she genuinely is a reserved genius and a calm strategist. Usha could be the one who precisely knows when to speak and more importantly when not to. She might be choosing to influence from behind the scenes, and playing a game we aren’t even aware of.
Usha Vance is certainly not just “another wife.” She has refined fashion sense that makes headlines, she has a formidable intellect and a background in law. Her education is what makes her a staple in quiet political circles. She has become a subject of fascination among liberal women and Indian Americans alike.
Here’s some pictures from Usha Vance’s life as Second Lady;
