U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance is facing mounting criticism after stating publicly that he hopes his wife, Usha Vance, who was raised in a Hindu household, will one day embrace Christianity-a remark that has ignited debate across faith and political lines.
The comments were made during a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi, where Vance fielded a question from a student about religion. His response, which many perceived as insensitive toward non-Christian communities, comes amid renewed scrutiny of the Trump administration's alignment with conservative Christian values.
"Do I hope eventually that she is somehow moved by the same thing that I was moved by in church? Yeah, I honestly do wish that because I believe in the Christian Gospel, and I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way," Vance said. His remarks quickly circulated online, drawing sharp criticism from interfaith advocates and members of the Indian American community.
Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, said the statement implied that Hinduism was "not enough." "If you were any ordinary pastor, then whatever. But he's not the pastor in chief-he's the vice president wanting to be president," Shukla remarked.
Social media reactions from South Asian Americans reflected similar frustration, with many accusing Vance of reinforcing Christian supremacy and marginalizing non-Christian faiths. Critics argued that his comments perpetuate a sense of exclusion for immigrants and religious minorities, particularly for Indian Americans navigating cultural and spiritual duality in the U.S.
Vance responded to the controversy on X, defending his remarks as a personal reflection of faith rather than intolerance. In a post, he condemned what he called "disgusting" misinterpretations and "anti-Christian bigotry." He also described his wife as "the most amazing blessing" in his life and credited her for shaping his own spiritual growth.
While Usha Vance has not commented publicly, the episode has reignited long-standing debates about interfaith marriage and the role of religion in U.S. political discourse. Supporters say Vance's remarks were rooted in his Christian conviction, while detractors see them as emblematic of the broader religious nationalism shaping the current administration.
In India, where religious conversion remains a politically charged issue, Vance's words drew particular attention. Rami Reddy Mutyala, chairman of Shri Mandir in San Diego, where Usha's parents occasionally attend services, told reporters that decisions about faith within a marriage are personal and voluntary, emphasizing that adults must choose for themselves.
