USA (Commonwealth Union)_ On January 20, 2025, Usha Vance etched her name into US history as the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady. Her husband, J.D. Vance, was sworn in as the 50th Vice President of the United States in a ceremony attended by dignitaries, family, and supporters. Usha Vance, a corporate litigator and former law clerk, stood by her husband’s side as he took the oath of office. Holding a Bible in one hand and their daughter, Mirabel Rose, in the other, she watched as Vance placed his left hand on the sacred text and raised his right hand to swear his loyalty to the country. Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a mentor to Usha Vance, administered the oath to her husband.
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The ceremony was a family affair, with their three children, Ewan Blaine, 7; Vivek, 4; and Mirabel Rose, 3; brought to the podium by military personnel in ceremonial uniforms. The boys were dressed in formal suits, while Usha Vance, radiant in a pink dress, looked on admiringly at her husband as he took the solemn oath. J.D. Vance’s mother, Beverly Aikins, who overcame personal struggles, was also present, sharing in the historic moment. President Donald Trump, after the ceremony, remarked on Usha Vance’s impressive intellect, even suggesting that he might have chosen her as the Vice President instead. His praise highlighted the growing recognition of her talents and influence.
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Usha Vance’s rise to the role of Second Lady is a powerful testament to the perseverance and success of the Indian-American community. Born to Telugu immigrants from India, Radhakrishna “Krish” Chilukuri, an aerospace engineer, and Lakshmi Chilukuri, the provost at the University of California, San Diego, Usha’s path to prominence reflects her hard work and dedication. Her journey intersected with that of J.D. Vance while they were both studying law at Yale University. Vance, who grew up in a broken home and overcame poverty, has credited Usha as his spirit guide. In his memoir, he describes how her presence helped him navigate the challenges of Ivy League life. “In a place that always seemed a little foreign, Usha’s presence made me feel at home,” Vance wrote. The couple married in 2014.
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Usha Vance’s legal career includes distinguished roles, such as clerking for Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh prior to his appointment to the Court. Her decision to leave her prestigious law firm to support her husband’s vice-presidential campaign marks a significant moment in her professional life. In addition to her career accomplishments, Usha’s political evolution also stands out. She switched her allegiance from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party, aligning herself with the political vision that J.D. Vance represents.
Usha Vance’s ascendancy to the role of Second Lady is a major milestone for the Indian-American community, underscoring the growing political and social influence of this diaspora in the United States. Her success story, from the daughter of immigrants to holding one of the country’s highest positions, serves as an inspiration for many, symbolizing the breaking of barriers and the triumph of determination and excellence. As the first Indian-American and Hindu Second Lady, Usha Vance’s journey represents a new chapter in the nation’s ongoing narrative of diversity, achievement, and empowerment.