Latest news with #CitizenMcCain
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Love, faith, & vegetarian life: Usha Vance opens up on life as US second lady; wants to have Holi party
Second Lady Usha Vance has stepped into the national spotlight with unexpected candour, offering a warm and thoughtful glimpse into her family life, vegetarian upbringing, and Hindu faith. In a candid appearance on Meghan McCain's Citizen McCain podcast, she painted a picture of an interfaith household marked by openness, choice, and deep cultural respect. Reflecting on her interfaith marriage to Vice President JD Vance—who converted to Catholicism after the birth of their first child—Usha shared how they navigated the complexities of faith. 'We had to have a lot of real conversations about how do you do that, when I'm not Catholic, and I'm not intending to convert,' she said, explaining their decision to send their children to Catholic school while ensuring they have full access to Hindu traditions through family, books and travel With her husband JD Vance now a central figure in Donald Trump's Republican administration, Second Lady Usha Vance has begun carving out a public identity of her own. In an extended conversation with Meghan McCain, Usha opened up about family life, her Hindu faith, her upbringing as a vegetarian, and how the Vance children are being raised with elements of both parents' traditions. 'They know that I'm not Catholic. .. They have plenty of access to the Hindu tradition,' Usha explained. Love story that started in law school Usha first met JD Vance during a tour at Yale Law School, where they were in the same classes and became fast friends. 'He was just obviously really good friend material right off the bat,' she recalled. 'It really was... in our second semester when he started to talk more about where he was from... that I started to think of him in this different way.' Usha Vance Opens Up: Her First Extended Interview on Life as Second Lady with Meghan McCain Although author Amy Chua, famed as the "Tiger Mom," is often cited in their love story, Usha clarified: 'She wasn't instrumental in us dating... but she was really important later on,' especially in helping JD realise that pursuing happiness—including their relationship—was more important than chasing elite clerkships. Interfaith Marriage: Conversations, choices, and catholic school When JD converted to Catholicism after their first child was born, it prompted serious discussions. 'We had to have a lot of real conversations about how do you do that, when I'm not Catholic, and I'm not intending to convert.' The Vance children now attend Catholic school but are allowed to make their own decision on baptism. 'Our oldest child has done that... We make going to church a family experience. The kids know that I'm not Catholic. ' Usha said the children are also immersed in Hindu culture through family, books and travel. 'They know many practising Hindus... Their main point of access is through spending time with my parents and my grandmother.' Though the family doesn't mark many Hindu festivals formally at home, the children connect with their heritage through visits and stories. 'My grandmother is a particularly devout Hindu... She prays every day, goes to the temple, does her own pujas." Usha said she hopes to change that in future: 'We're actually hoping to have a Holi party, so we're looking forward to that next year.' Life as a vegetarian—and JD's culinary experiments Raised in a vegetarian household, Usha said she's always thought of meals holistically. 'It's really hard to think about vegetarian diets as substituting for meat... the better way is to have a number of smaller things on your plate.' When they began dating, JD took it upon himself to learn vegetarian cooking. 'The first place that he went was actually to my mum to learn how to make some of the dishes that I enjoyed.' Today, he's known in the family for his chocolate chip cookies and Southern-style biscuits. 'He makes amazing biscuits... He's made some really good cakes, so those are my favourites.' Parenting in the public eye Raising children under the glare of politics and media hasn't been easy. Usha said they try to maintain normal routines. 'They have to put away their laundry... If they spill something, they have to clean it up.' She said the goal is to give them as grounded a life as possible: 'Almost every decision that we make is directed at making it as much like what it would have been like if they'd been growing up in Cincinnati.' Reflecting on a rapid life change When JD was named vice president, everything changed in an instant. 'We had to suddenly move hotel rooms... There was really no opportunity for reflection.' Only after the inauguration did Usha have time to think about how she wanted to use her new platform. 'Now actually, this is maybe truly the fun part... where I can start bringing projects to the light.'
News18
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Usha Vance Says She Found Out About Husband's VP Pick Just Minutes Before Announcement
Last Updated: Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the US, learned just five minutes before the public that her husband, JD Vance, would be Donald Trump's Vice President pick. Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, has revealed that she had no clue that her husband, JD Vance, would be Donald Trump's Vice President pick and that she got to know this just 'five minutes" before it was made public. Usha Vance made the revelation during a candid interview on Meghan McCain's podcast, Citizen McCain that aired on Thursday. During conversation, Usha opened up about the moment she entered the national political spotlight — and the personal cost of it. She was surprised when her husband was announced as a vice-presidential pick by Trump. Describing the instant, Vance recalled, 'It really felt like a bolt of lightning. You don't have an opportunity to think about it, or even to plan what it is that you'd like to do." The conversation mostly revolved around her identity, lifestyle, and quiet resistance to the new role she now inhabits. Daughter of Indian immigrants, Vance had previously kept a low political profile and built a legal career and served previously as a lawyer. Now, she finds herself navigating life under scrutiny — something she admitted isn't her ideal.
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Usha Vance Addresses Her First Lady Chances
Second Lady Usha Vance has opened up about the prospect of husband Vice President JD Vance ascending to the presidency in 2028, and the chances of becoming the next First Lady. In a candid interview with Meghan McCain, recorded at the Vice-Presidential residence at One Observatory Circle in Washington, D.C, she said: "I'm not plotting out next steps," adding that she would be happy to be "along for the ride" if her husband became president. Newsweek contacted the White House via online form on Friday for comment. Usha Vance has passed the historic milestone of being the first South Asian and Hindu Second Lady, but she is steering clear of stating any political ambition, whether in the short term or as potential First Lady. As Vice President, husband JD is widely regarded as the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, though he has yet to formally declare his candidacy. Usha Vance addressed the subject on Wednesday's episode of the podcast Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain, with her host describing it as a "very exciting possibility." "There is not a small chance you could be our first lady in a few years," said former View co-host McCain. "I wanted to know is that stressful for you, is it exciting, is that something you think about, is this something everyone is asking you everywhere you go?" Usha offered a measured response, emphasizing that her current priority lies squarely in the present moment: "Well, people do ask about it," the attorney said, adding, "three years ago, or maybe it was four years ago at this point, I had absolutely no intention of leading any sort of life in politics, it really is that rapid. "And then when we moved our kids to school in this area it was with no intention whatsoever of JD running for a new office and so my attitude is that this is a four-year period where I have a set of responsibilities to my family, to myself, to obviously the country, and that's really what I'm focused on." "I'm not plotting out next steps or really trying for anything after this," she noted. "And in a dream world, eventually I'll be able to live in my home and kind of continue my career and all those sorts of things. "And if that happens in four years, I understand, if that happens at some other point in the future, I understand, I'm just sort of along for the ride and enjoying it while I can." Usha also announced during the interview that the couple are expecting their third child. She also revealed that it's been "really hard" for JD to quit driving since assuming office. The Second Lady discussed living at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C, and how much she appreciates the staff there. However, the couple maintains close ties to Ohio and considers it their true home. Meghan McCain on her podcast to Vance: "I really just am such a fan of yours, I think you're so cool, I really hope you are a first lady someday, and I don't mind saying that, you don't have to say, it I will." McCain also praised Usha's humility and perspective on motherhood and public life. Usha talked about looking forward to bringing projects to light that she is interested in and working on things she is excited about. She recently launched a children's reading initiative, her first public-facing project since her husband became Vice President. Related Articles Usha Vance Opens Up About Family Life in Rare InterviewTrump Doesn't Rule Out Military Force to Take GreenlandPutin Issues Arctic 'Conflicts' Warning Over Trump's Greenland PlansGreenland Solves Political Crisis Hours Before JD Vance Visit 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Usha Vance Addresses Her First Lady Chances
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Second Lady Usha Vance has opened up about the prospect of husband Vice President JD Vance ascending to the presidency in 2028, and the chances of becoming the next First Lady. In a candid interview with Meghan McCain, recorded at the Vice-Presidential residence at One Observatory Circle in Washington, D.C, she said: "I'm not plotting out next steps," adding that she would be happy to be "along for the ride" if her husband became president. Newsweek contacted the White House via online form on Friday for comment. Why It Matters Usha Vance has passed the historic milestone of being the first South Asian and Hindu Second Lady, but she is steering clear of stating any political ambition, whether in the short term or as potential First Lady. As Vice President, husband JD is widely regarded as the leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028, though he has yet to formally declare his candidacy. What To Know Usha Vance addressed the subject on Wednesday's episode of the podcast Citizen McCain with Meghan McCain, with her host describing it as a "very exciting possibility." "There is not a small chance you could be our first lady in a few years," said former View co-host McCain. "I wanted to know is that stressful for you, is it exciting, is that something you think about, is this something everyone is asking you everywhere you go?" Usha offered a measured response, emphasizing that her current priority lies squarely in the present moment: "Well, people do ask about it," the attorney said, adding, "three years ago, or maybe it was four years ago at this point, I had absolutely no intention of leading any sort of life in politics, it really is that rapid. "And then when we moved our kids to school in this area it was with no intention whatsoever of JD running for a new office and so my attitude is that this is a four-year period where I have a set of responsibilities to my family, to myself, to obviously the country, and that's really what I'm focused on." U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance listen during the 44th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol on May 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance listen during the 44th annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service at the U.S. Capitol on May 15, 2025 in Washington, DC."I'm not plotting out next steps or really trying for anything after this," she noted. "And in a dream world, eventually I'll be able to live in my home and kind of continue my career and all those sorts of things. "And if that happens in four years, I understand, if that happens at some other point in the future, I understand, I'm just sort of along for the ride and enjoying it while I can." Usha also announced during the interview that the couple are expecting their third child. She also revealed that it's been "really hard" for JD to quit driving since assuming office. The Second Lady discussed living at the Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C, and how much she appreciates the staff there. However, the couple maintains close ties to Ohio and considers it their true home. What People Are Saying Meghan McCain on her podcast to Vance: "I really just am such a fan of yours, I think you're so cool, I really hope you are a first lady someday, and I don't mind saying that, you don't have to say, it I will." McCain also praised Usha's humility and perspective on motherhood and public life. What Happens Next Usha talked about looking forward to bringing projects to light that she is interested in and working on things she is excited about. She recently launched a children's reading initiative, her first public-facing project since her husband became Vice President.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- USA Today
Meghan McCain asks Usha Vance about possibility of becoming first lady
Second lady Usha Vance says she's focused on the here and now, revealing that while she's been asked about the possibility of becoming America's next first lady, she hasn't thought much about it. "People do ask about it," the lawyer and mom of three shared in a recent interview on Citizen McCain, a podcast hosted by Meghan McCain. "Three years ago, or maybe it's four years ago at this point, I had absolutely no intention of leading any sort of life in politics. It really is that rapid." Vance, 39, goes on to say that when she and her husband Vice President JD Vance moved their family to the Washington, D.C.-area, it was with no intention, whatsoever, of "JD running for a new office." "My attitude is that this is a four-year period where I have a set of responsibilities to my family, to myself, to obviously, the country. And that's really what I'm focused on," Vance said. Vice President JD Vance, who President Donald Trump speculated as a potential future leader of the MAGA movement, previously told NBC News: "If I do end up running in 2028, I'm not entitled to it." Usha Vance is 'along for the ride' Vance isn't "plotting out next steps," or "really trying for anything after this," referring to her husband's four-year term in office, which began in January of this year. "In a dream world, eventually, I'll be able to live in my home and kind of continue my career and all those sorts of things," Vance said. "And if that happens, in four years, I understand. If that happens, at some other point in the future, I understand. I'm just sort of along for the ride and enjoying it while I can." Before becoming second lady of the United States, Vance worked as an attorney at Munger, Tolles & Olson, a law firm that specializes in litigation, corporate, professional liability, employment, financial restructuring, tax and executive compensation. She left the firm when her husband secured the vice presidential nomination. Usha also shares three children − Ewan Blaine, Vivek, and Mirabel Rose − with JD, whom she married in 2014. Meghan McCain breaks baby news to Usha Vance, and the public McCain, daughter of late Arizona senator John McCain, also announced on the episode that she was expecting her third child with husband Ben Domenech on the show. "I wanted to let you in on something that is private that I haven't talked about publicly yet, because one of the things I have so enjoyed about you, and your husband is seeing how you incorporate your children in your life in so many ways. You travel with them," McCain told Vance. "I have two little girls. They are almost five and almost three, and I am just entering my second trimester. I'm pregnant with my third." Vance extends her congratulations, telling McCain that she "loves" having three kids after "The View" cohost expressed some nervousness about having a boy and having three children. "I'm a huge proponent of it," Vance said. "Obviously, people want to have different family sizes for different reasons. But what I've really enjoyed about having three kids is that it's just enough for them all to be kind of a pack, like the oldest will take care of the youngest one, the youngest is so motivated to be like the older two that basically she's self-sufficent and always has been. It's awesome." 'Did you just make Joe Biden laugh?' Tourists run into former president eating ice cream How to watch Usha Vance interview with Meghan McCain McCain's interview with Vance can be found on YouTube, or any other audio streaming service, like Apple Podcasts, or Spotify, that transmits podcasts. "Meghan McCain sits down with Usha Vance for her first long-form interview, covering motherhood, faith, and life in the national spotlight," a description of the episode reads. "Usha opens up about raising a family at the Naval Observatory, navigating public life, and what might come next."
