In a candid and rare interview, Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance has directly addressed the swirl of online speculation concerning her marriage to Vice President JD Vance, characterising the gossip as unproductive "fever dreams." Speaking to USA Today, the 39-year-old lawyer also opened up about her working relationship with First Lady Melania Trump, offering a glimpse into the private dynamics of two of America's most prominent political families.
Addressing the 'Ringgate' Speculation
The interview touched upon the so-called 'Ringgate' – a flurry of speculation ignited when Usha was photographed on multiple occasions not wearing her wedding ring. This, combined with a viral image of the Vice President hugging aide Erika Kirk, led some to suggest marital troubles. Usha Vance shrugged off the intense scrutiny with characteristic pragmatism. "I wear it when I wear it, and I don't when I don't," she stated, explaining that simple daily routines like going to the gym often dictated whether the ring was on her finger.
She expressed a degree of amusement at the public's fascination, noting it had become a "family joke." However, she firmly stated she does not "find it fruitful" to track every rumour. "I'd rather just sort of live in my marriage and in the real world and less in kind of the fever dreams that surround it," Usha Vance told the paper. The couple, who met at Yale Law School in their twenties, married in 2014 and are parents to three children, aged 8, 5, and 3.
Life at the Observatory and a Partnership with Melania
Discussing the transition to life at the Vice President's residence at the Naval Observatory, Usha Vance described their children adapting well to their new home, even peeking in on late-night events. She revealed JD Vance is the family baker, having made chocolate chip cookies for their Secret Service detail on Thanksgiving and collaborating with their daughter Mirabel on a 'Miramisu' for a visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
A significant portion of the conversation focused on her rapport with First Lady Melania Trump. "We really get along pretty well," Usha said, highlighting their shared experiences of raising children in the public eye. "I've enjoyed traveling with her a little bit and talking to her about things like raising kids in this kind of crazy life, about our interests and hobbies." She praised the First Lady's methodical and focused approach to her initiatives, which include combating cyberbullying and revenge porn, advocating for Ukrainian children, and promoting youth-friendly AI. "She is very, very focused on doing things her way, and I think very effectively," Usha Vance remarked, calling Melania Trump an inspiration.
Forging Her Own Path as Second Lady
While the First and Second Ladies have recently partnered on events for military families—echoing the 'Joining Forces' partnership of Michelle Obama and Jill Biden—Usha Vance is carving out her own distinct lane. She confirmed to USA Today that her primary focus as Second Lady will be on literacy. When asked if she aspired to be promoted to First Lady, she demurred, simply replying, "I like the job that I have right now."
The interview paints a picture of a woman navigating unprecedented public scrutiny with a blend of wit, dismissal of baseless gossip, and a clear-eyed focus on her family and her own developing public role alongside a supportive peer in Melania Trump.
