US Vice President JD Vance has vigorously defended his expressed hope that his wife, Usha Vance, might one day embrace Christianity, likening the ensuing criticism to ‘disgusting’ and ‘anti-Christian bigotry.’ He clarified his wife’s current religious stance, stating she is Hindu and has no current plans to convert.
The controversy erupted following comments Vance made at a recent event, where he responded to a question about his wife’s potential conversion. This statement quickly drew a wave of negative reactions online, with critics accusing him of disregarding his wife’s Hindu heritage and seeking favor.
Vance took to X to counter the criticism, denouncing it as ‘disgusting’ and noting the prevalence of similar negative comments. He explained that the initial question concerned his interfaith marriage and that, as a public figure, he answered honestly rather than avoiding the topic. He suggested the backlash revealed prejudice against Christians.
Further elaborating on his position, Vance emphasized that religious conversion is a matter of ‘God-given free will’ and that he would never pressure his wife to change her faith. He also shared how Usha has been instrumental in his own spiritual journey, encouraging his reconnection with his Christian faith.
Responding to critics like Ezra Levant, Vance underscored that his marriage to Usha is characterized by ‘mutual respect, trust, and understanding,’ despite their different religious practices. He reiterated his full respect for her Hindu beliefs while acknowledging his personal hope for spiritual congruence. This episode has stimulated significant public discourse in the US regarding interfaith marriages and the intersection of personal faith with public roles.