Donald Trump’s inauguration: How Usha Vance’s Hindu faith helped ‘Telugu son-in-law’ JD Vance become vice president | World news

Vice President-elect JD Vance, left, and his wife, Usha Vance, arrive at a dinner event at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

In a glittering celebration of style and politics, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha, hosted a spectacular dinner at the National Gallery of Art on Saturday night that served as a major prelude to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. The event, which also served as a reception for Trump’s cabinet picks, was a perfect blend of political significance and glamour.
The Vans were impeccably dressed for the occasion and exuded sophistication. Vice President-elect JD Vance donned a classic tuxedo that embraced the formal tone of the evening, while his wife, Usha Vance, wore a custom noir black velvet gown by Oscar de la Renta. The dress featured asymmetrical floral accents and a sweetheart neckline, combining elegance with modern style and captivated many onlookers.
The designer shared pictures of the couple from the ceremony on their official Instagram account. The caption read: “Incoming Second Lady Usha Vance wears a tailored noir velvet gown with asymmetrical floral accents and a sweetheart neckline to the Vice President’s Dinner.”

How Usha Vance’s Hindu Faith Helped JD Become Vice President-Elect

The story of JD and Usha began in the halls of Yale Law School where they met as students. At the time, JD was vocal about his atheism, having drifted away from the Christian faith he was raised in. Yale Law was where he began to question many aspects of his life, including his worldview and spiritual beliefs, influenced by his tumultuous upbringing in Ohio, as documented in his memoir Hillbilly Elegy. While JD entered law school as a self-described atheist, his relationship with Usha sparked a journey of spiritual exploration.
Raised in a Hindu family with deep-rooted spiritual practices, Usha’s upbringing instilled a sense of devotion, introspection and a search for purpose that resonated with JD.
Usha’s approach to life and faith became a steadying force for JD, inspiring him to revisit spiritual questions that had long been dormant. Hinduism, with its emphasis on inner peace, self-discipline and moral duty (dharma), encouraged JD to explore faith beyond mere ritual and dogma. Usha’s perspective helped JD see religion not just as a set of rules, but as a path to personal growth, resilience, and understanding—traits that would ultimately shape his political career.

Marriage and Faith: A Fusion of Traditions

In 2014, JD and Usha married in a ceremony that included both Christian and Hindu elements, symbolizing a fusion of their faith and cultural identities. This blending of traditions was significant and marked the beginning of JD’s journey back to Christianity while honoring Usha’s Hindu heritage. The wedding ceremony embodied respect for each other’s faith, and laid the foundation for JD’s eventual conversion to Catholicism, a decision deeply influenced by Usha’s faith journey.
For JD, spending time with Usha brought a newfound respect for the role of spirituality in providing guidance, purpose and resilience. Her encouragement helped him understand that faith could be a private, personal journey, rather than a public declaration of faith. Gradually, he found himself attending church services, drawn back to the teachings he had left behind in his youth. By 2018, JD had officially returned to the Christian faith and converted to Catholicism. Although this transformation was rooted in Christianity, it was infused with the spiritual openness that Hinduism often encourages—a respect for different paths to self-understanding and fulfillment.

Usha’s influence on JD’s political and moral compass

As JD rose in the political arena, Usha’s Hindu values ​​continued to influence his approach to leadership and politics. Hinduism emphasizes duty to one’s community and a moral obligation to uplift society—ideals that have informed JD’s focus on rural struggles and the working class, as seen in his advocacy for Central American families. The Hindu philosophy of karma yoga, or selfless service, resonated with JD’s desire to address the issues facing his hometown and others like it in the United States.
JD’s renewed commitment to faith also reshaped his political philosophy. While he had previously held anti-establishment views that often came across as harsh and critical, his relationship with Usha helped him temper this view with empathy and a commitment to service. Her influence guided him towards policies focused on economic justice, family welfare and community values, in keeping with the Hindu principle of seva (service).

A symbol of cultural and spiritual diversity in the White House

In the 2024 election, JD Vance emerged as the vice presidential candidate on Donald Trump’s ticket, representing a new era in the GOP. His marriage to Usha, an Indian-American woman rooted in Hindu spirituality, has introduced a unique cultural dimension to the political discourse. This has opened up a dialogue about how different backgrounds can enrich American politics, which is an example of cross-cultural understanding and respect.
For the Indian-American community, the presence of Usha Vance in the White House signals a historic representation of Hindu values ​​in American leadership. Usha’s Telugu heritage and commitment to her faith resonate with many Indian-Americans, who see her as a symbol of the community’s growing influence in the United States. Her fluency in Telugu and her knowledge of Indian culture strengthen her potential role as a bridge between the US and India, contributing to a richer, multicultural approach to governance.

Strengthening US-India relations and bridging cultural divides

Usha’s role in the White House has significance beyond her influence on JD’s faith journey. As an Indian-American, she brings insights that could strengthen US-India relations. With her understanding of Indian cultural and religious nuances, Usha is uniquely positioned to facilitate diplomatic conversations that respect cultural heritage and promote goodwill between the two nations. Her presence in the administration underscores the shared values ​​of family, spirituality and duty that bind both countries.
Moreover, Usha’s background as a Yale-educated lawyer with a clerkship under Supreme Court justices reflects the potential for intellectual and diplomatic contributions on political issues, especially those that intersect cultural and international relations. Her blend of Hindu spirituality and American legal training is likely to add a nuanced perspective to her husband’s administration that aligns with the growing recognition of South Asian contributions to American society.

Faith as a guideline

Usha Vance’s Hindu faith has been transformative in JD Vance’s personal and spiritual journey, helping him reconnect with Christianity while deepening his understanding of the role of spirituality in public service. Their story exemplifies how interfaith partnerships can enrich personal and professional lives, foster empathy, tolerance, and a broadened worldview. This association has not only been a cornerstone of JD’s political and moral development, but also serves as a testament to the growing diversity of American politics.
With JD Vance poised to assume the role of Vice President, his journey from atheism to faith, spurred by Usha’s Hindu faith, adds a powerful narrative to the American political landscape. It is a story of transformation, resilience and the unifying potential of faith across cultural divides. Through this partnership, The Vances embody a modern vision of America—one that celebrates diversity and draws strength from shared values, making their story an inspiring chapter in the ongoing journey toward a more inclusive nation.