US Vice President JD Vance has publicly defended his recent comments expressing a desire for his wife, Usha Vance, to convert to Christianity. This statement has drawn criticism, which Vance attributes to what he describes as “anti-Christian bigotry.” The remarks were made during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on March 15, 2024, commemorating right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
During the event, Vance was asked about raising their three children in an interfaith marriage. He stated, “Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved in by church? Yeah, I honestly do wish that.” However, he also acknowledged the importance of free will, adding, “But if she doesn’t, then God says everybody has free will, and so that doesn’t cause a problem for me.”
After facing backlash on social media, particularly from a user on X who accused him of undermining the Second Lady’s religion to appease right-wing supporters, Vance responded robustly. He described the comment as “disgusting” and emphasized that Usha “is not a Christian and has no plans to convert.” He expressed hope that, over time, she might come to share his beliefs.
Usha Vance, originally from San Diego, was raised in a Hindu family with roots in India. She previously shared with Fox News that her parents’ Hindu faith significantly contributed to their character and values. The couple met while studying at Yale Law School and married in 2014. Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has often discussed how his faith influences his conservative political stance.
As speculation grows around Vance’s potential candidacy in the 2028 US election, his comments highlight the complexities of interfaith relationships and the public’s reaction to personal beliefs. Vance’s remarks reflect not just his personal convictions but also the ongoing dialogue around faith and politics in contemporary society.
