US Vice President JD Vance defended his earlier assertion that he hoped his spouse, Usha Vance, a Hindu, would change into a Christian like him, asserting that she “is just not a Christian and has no plans to transform.”
The controversy erupted after Vance’s feedback on the Turning Level USA occasion in Mississippi, the place he was requested whether or not his spouse would “come to Christ.” Responding to the query, Vance mentioned he hoped she would in the future embrace Christianity, which triggered sharp reactions on social media. Critics accused him of being dismissive of his spouse’s Hindu beliefs and searching for approval on the expense of her religion.
Following the backlash, Vance took to X to concern a robust rebuttal. “What a disgusting remark, and it’s hardly been the one one alongside these strains,” he wrote, reacting to customers who accused him of “throwing his spouse’s faith underneath the bus.” He mentioned the criticism mirrored “anti-Christian bigotry” and misrepresented his statements.
What a disgusting remark, and it is hardly been the one one alongside these strains. First off, the query was from an individual seemingly to my left, about my interfaith marriage. I am a public determine, and persons are curious, and I wasn’t going to keep away from the query. Second, my… https://t.co/JOzN7WAg3A — JD Vance (@JDVance) October 31, 2025
Vance clarified that his remarks weren’t meant to undermine his spouse’s beliefs. Emphasising that religion is a matter of “God-given free will,” he mentioned he would by no means strain his spouse to transform. The US Vice President credited Usha for encouraging him to reconnect along with his Christian religion, describing her as a serious affect in his religious journey.
Responding to criticism from Canadian journalist and Insurgent Information writer Ezra Levant, Vance mentioned that his marriage with Usha is constructed on “mutual respect, belief, and understanding” regardless of their completely different faiths. He reiterated that whereas he hopes for religious alignment, he absolutely respects his spouse’s Hindu religion.
Vance’s remarks and subsequent clarification have sparked recent debate within the US over faith, interfaith relationships, and private religion in public life.