Usha Vance makes history as the first Indian-American to hold the position of Second Lady, breaking barriers for representation in the White House.
Historic Moment for Indian-American Community: Usha Vance Becomes First Indian-American Second Lady
A New Era of Representation in the White House
Usha Vance made history on Monday as she became the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady after her husband J.D. Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the US.
The ceremony took place at a significant moment, with President Donald Trump taking the oath of office just before J.D. Vance did the same. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a mentor to Usha Vance, administered the oath to her husband.
A Family Affair
Before the Vances came to the podium, military personnel in ceremonial uniforms brought their children, Ewan Blaine (7), Vivek (4), and Mirabel Rose (3), to the podium. The boys wore formal suits, while Usha Vance was dressed in pink. She beamed with pride as J.D. Vance repeated the oath after Kavanaugh.
Their family’s presence at the ceremony was a heartwarming moment, especially since J.D. Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, who has overcome her struggles with addiction, stood with them during the ceremony.
Usha Vance: A Trailblazer in Her Own Right
Usha Vance is not only the wife of the Vice President but also a trailblazer in her own right. She is the daughter of Telugu immigrants from India, Radhakrishna “Krish” Chilukuri, an aerospace engineer, and Lakshmi Chilukuri, the provost at the University of California, San Diego.
J.D. Vance has often spoken about how Usha helped him navigate his Ivy League education and professional life, crediting her as his “spirit guide.” The couple met while studying law at Yale University and married in 2014.
A Journey of Overcoming Adversity
J.D. Vance’s own journey is a testament to the American Dream. Raised by his grandmother after his mother struggled with addiction, he joined the military to escape the dysfunction of life in Middleton, Ohio. He eventually got his break with admission to Yale, where he said Usha’s presence made him feel at home.
After briefly practicing law, J.D. Vance turned to business as a venture capitalist and later entered politics, being elected to the Senate in 2022. Usha Vance is a corporate litigator who left a prestigious law firm after her husband was named the Vice President candidate. She has also worked as a clerk for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Kavanaugh while he was an appeals court judge.
A New Chapter for the Indian-American Community
Usha Vance’s historic achievement marks a new chapter for the Indian-American community, which continues to make its presence felt in American politics. As Second Lady, she will undoubtedly be a role model for many young women from diverse backgrounds.
President Trump even joked that Usha is smarter than her husband and that he might have picked her as the Vice President instead. While this may have been said in jest, it highlights the respect and admiration that both the President and the nation have for Usha Vance’s exceptional abilities and qualifications.
