Vice President JD Vance moved to tamp down speculation about the state of his marriage to second lady Usha Vance, telling NBC News that the couple has learned to treat the growing wave of online commentary as part of public life. The remarks follow several weeks of tabloid interest sparked by photos of Usha appearing without her wedding ring and by a separate viral moment involving Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, at a Turning Point USA event.
Asked by NBC about the social-media scrutiny, Vance replied, "I think that we kind of get a kick out of it," adding, "With anything in life, you take the good with the bad... But our marriage is as strong as it's ever been, and I think Usha's really taken to it, and it's been kind of cool to see how she's developed and evolved in this new role." The vice president emphasized that he does not view the recurring rumors as a strain on the relationship, saying, "It's funny... I actually don't think that it's tough."
Speculation first escalated in late October after Vance was photographed embracing Erika Kirk onstage. The moment gained traction online after Erika, introducing Vance at the Turning Point USA event, said, "No one will ever replace my husband... But I do see some similarities of my husband in JD - in Vice President JD Vance. I do." As they met at center stage, the two shared a prolonged hug that ignited debate about hand placement and propriety. Erika later addressed the furor during a Megyn Kelly Live event, explaining, "My love language is touch, if you will," and offering a detailed recounting of the emotional exchange. Kelly joked, "They were acting like you touched the back of his ass!" to which Erika replied, "I feel like I wouldn't get as much hate if I did that!"
The conversation broadened in November when photos emerged of Usha visiting Camp Lejeune with first lady Melania Trump. Her bare ring finger triggered another wave of commentary. A spokesperson for the second lady pushed back on the narrative, telling PEOPLE that Usha is "a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes." The vice president echoed that sentiment, sharing an anecdote in which Usha realized she had forgotten her rings en route to the White House. "She was like, 'Oh, if I don't go back and get them, there's going to be some ridiculous psycho who talks about it on social media,'" Vance recalled. "And I was like, let them... We actually have a little bit of fun with it."
Even as the family adjusts to heightened attention, Vance acknowledged the personal tradeoffs of public office. "There are certainly ways in which it's difficult on the family," he said. "But it's the sacrifice that we signed up for." Their children have reacted differently to life in Washington. "Our 8-year-old really doesn't like it... our 5-year-old... probably likes it too much," Vance said of the contrasting temperaments.
Usha, who has kept a limited media profile, has taken a more visible role through a childhood-literacy initiative that includes reading events and school visits nationwide. The vice president praised her expanding portfolio, noting, "It's been amazing to see her really lean into this child literacy thing," adding, "Obviously, I'm very biased... but it's definitely - it's given us a new adventure to go on, and we've both had a good time."
