US Vice President Jay Dee Vance has drawn sharp criticism after expressing hope that his Hindu wife, Usha Vance, would convert to Christianity. The remarks, made during an event at the University of Mississippi, sparked outrage among members of the Indian-American community, who called the statements disrespectful to Usha Vance’s religious identity.
Vance told attendees, “Do I hope that in the end she will somehow be touched by the same things that touched me in the church? Yes, I sincerely wish that.” The comments were widely condemned on social media, with critics accusing him of undermining his wife’s personal beliefs. Suhag Shukla, executive director of the Hindu American Foundation, described the remarks as problematic given Vance’s position of influence.
In response to the backlash, Vance took to social media to defend himself, labeling some critiques as “disgusting” and alleging they stemmed from “anti-Christian fanaticism.” He emphasized that Usha Vance remains “the most amazing blessing” in his life. Earlier this month, Vance had also addressed remarks by former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who suggested Usha Vance needed to be “saved” from her husband. Vance rejected the claims, expressing pride in his wife and stating the couple aims to “serve for the good of the country.”
