Who is Usha Vance? The Indian-origin Yale-educated wife of future US Vice President JD Vance

Former US President Donald Trump declared victory in the 2024 presidential election on Tuesday after major US media outlets predicted his victory over Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, Trump described the victory as “an unprecedented and powerful mandate from the American people.” During his speech, he praised his running mate, JD Vance, along with Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, who both played significant roles in the campaign. Trump proclaimed: “Now I can say the Vice President of the United States, JD Vance, and his absolutely remarkable and beautiful wife, Usha Vance.”

Who is Usha Vance?

Usha Vance, originally named Usha Chilukuri, is the daughter of Indian immigrants. She spent her childhood in the San Francisco area. She holds a BA in History from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge. She has built an impressive legal career, including clerking for Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh prior to Kavanaugh’s appointment to the Court. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge.

Her professional journey includes clerkships at both the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit under Judge Brett Kavanaugh and at the US Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts. These prestigious roles placed her early in her career among the best legal minds and institutions.

Meeting JD Vance at Yale and family life

JD and Usha Vance first crossed paths at Yale Law School, where both were students. Their relationship blossomed during their studies, leading to their marriage in 2014, a year after graduation. The couple, who share three children – Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel – are known for their partnership, which balances their busy legal and political lives with a strong family foundation.

Usha Vance: A role behind the scenes

While Usha has kept a low public profile, her influence on her husband’s political journey has been evident. She played a key role in helping JD Vance formulate his views on the social struggles of rural America—insights that later formed the basis of his best-selling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which was adapted into a 2020 film by Ron Howard.

Usha Vance can prove to be a bridge for US-India relations

With her knowledge of Indian culture and heritage, Usha Vance could serve as an influential figure in US-India relations, especially if her husband’s political stature continues to rise. AI Mason, a US-based real estate consultant and friend of the Trump family, acknowledged Usha’s potential influence in promoting bilateral ties, saying: “Usha Vance is a very accomplished lawyer and the daughter of Indian immigrants – and her husband brings youth and diversity to the Trump ticket.” He added: “She knows the Indian culture and everything about India. She can be a great help to her husband in navigating good ties between the US and India.”