JD Vance's Wife: Who is Usha Vance? The Yale-educated, Indian-born wife of US Vice President-elect JD Vance

Former US President Donald Trump declared victory in the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday after major US media outlets predicted his victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, Trump described the victory as “an unprecedented and powerful mandate from the American people.” During his speech, he praised his running mate JD Vance and Vance's wife Usha Vance, both of whom played important roles in the campaign. Trump announced, “Now I can say Vice President-elect of the United States, JD Vance, and his absolutely remarkable and beautiful wife, Usha Vance.”

Who is Usha Vance?

Usha Vance was originally called Usha Chilukuri and is the daughter of Indian immigrants. She spent her childhood in the San Francisco area. She holds a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge. She has built an impressive legal career, including clerking for Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh before Kavanaugh was appointed to the bench. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge.

Her professional career has included clerkships on both the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit under Judge Brett Kavanaugh and the United States Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts. These prestigious roles positioned her among the leading legal minds and institutions early in her career.

Meeting JD Vance at Yale and family life

JD and Usha Vance's paths first crossed at Yale Law School, where both were students. Their relationship blossomed during her studies and led to her marriage in 2014, a year after she graduated. The couple, who share three children together – Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel – are known for their partnership, balancing their busy legal and political lives with a strong family foundation.

Usha Vance: A Behind the Scenes Role

Although Usha kept a low profile in public, her influence on her husband's political development was evident. She played a key role in helping JD Vance articulate his views on the social struggles of rural America – insights that later formed the basis of his bestselling memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which was adapted into a film by Ron Howard in 2020.

Usha Vance could prove to be a bridge for US-India relations

With her knowledge of Indian culture and heritage, Usha Vance could be an influential figure in U.S.-India relations, especially if her husband's political prominence continues to grow. AI Mason, a US-based real estate consultant and friend of the Trump family, acknowledged Usha's potential influence in promoting bilateral ties, saying: “Usha Vance is a highly skilled lawyer and daughter of Indian immigrants – and her husband brings youth and diversity with him. ” to the Trump ticket.” He added: “She knows Indian culture and everything about India. She can be a great help to her husband in building good relations between the US and India.”