NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, D.C., March 30, 2026: In a recent interview with CBS News, Second Lady Usha Vance spoke about her relationship with Vice President JD Vance, describing it as a partnership built on communication, honesty, and mutual support.
Vance said that while she is not involved in policy decisions, she plays an important role as a trusted confidante to her husband. The couple speaks often about his work and the issues he is dealing with, but she emphasized that her role is personal, not professional.
“It’s a marriage, and I want to be supportive of him,” she said, adding that understanding what he is going through helps her be there for him.
She explained that their conversations are ongoing and natural, especially since they are often working near each other in Washington. At the same time, she made it clear that her husband relies on his official advisors for policy matters. Her role, she said, comes into play when he needs to talk through something on a more personal level.
Vance also acknowledged that they do not always agree. Coming from different backgrounds, she said, they sometimes see issues differently. However, she described these differences as healthy and productive.
“There’s no expectation that we are going to see eye to eye on everything,” she said, adding that open conversation is key to their relationship.
At the same time, she declined to share details about any disagreements, saying such discussions are private. “That’s the privilege of marriage,” she said.
Beyond her role as a spouse, Vance also spoke about her new initiative, a children’s podcast titled Story Time with the Second Lady, which focuses on encouraging reading among young children.
The podcast features guest readers from different walks of life, including athletes and public figures, who read short, age-appropriate stories and briefly talk about their own experiences. The goal, she said, is to make reading more engaging for children and to encourage families to pick up books at home.
Vance said her interest in literacy comes from her own background and family. She grew up in a family of educators and has long been involved in education-related work. More recently, teaching her own children to read made the issue more personal.
She noted that declining literacy rates in the U.S. are a concern and believes parents can play a key role at home. “There’s just a lot that people can do in their family home without a ton of resources,” she said.
The Second Lady, who has three young children and is expecting a fourth, also spoke about the changes that come with life in the public eye—including something as simple as how she dresses.
“There are some differences, obviously. I have to dress up a lot more,” she said, recalling that in her previous pregnancy she spent much of her time in “sweatpants” while working from home.
She said her current role comes with more formal expectations, though she spoke about it in a lighthearted way.
At the same time, Vance emphasized that she tries to maintain a normal life for herself and her family despite the high-profile role.
“One of the other advantages in my position is that, in reality, people don’t recognize me all that much,” she said. “If I wear my jeans and a T-shirt, pull my hair up, and go to the grocery store… for the most part, I can just do those kinds of things.”
She added that she makes a conscious effort not to withdraw from everyday life. “Not to be afraid to get out there,” she said, noting that most people she encounters are respectful and allow her space to go about routine activities.
Vance also said she is not drawn to celebrity culture, even as her public profile has grown.
“I’m not particularly drawn to celebrity either in others or for myself,” she said, adding that meeting well-known figures is just “part of life” now, and not something she seeks out.
Instead, she said one of the most meaningful aspects of her role is meeting people from different backgrounds across the country.
Reflecting on her transition from a legal career to public life, Vance described it as “an adventure” and a “learning experience,” though she acknowledged that stepping away from her career was initially disorienting. She said she hopes to return to work in the future but is currently focused on using this period to work on issues she cares about.
She also described having more time with her children as “a real privilege,” something she does not take for granted.
As the first Indian American and Hindu Second Lady, Vance said she feels a sense of pride, particularly in representing a young family in public life. She added that she hopes to show that even families in prominent roles can lead relatable, everyday lives.
Looking ahead, she said her focus remains on supporting her husband and making the most of what she called a “four-year opportunity” to contribute in meaningful ways.
