0:46Vice President JD Vance concluded AmericaFest, the inaugural Turning Point USA summit following the passing of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 21, 2025. Caitlin O’Hara/Reuters
During a recent interview with UnHerd, Vice President JD Vance stated that anyone who criticizes his wife, second lady Usha Vance, "can eat s—."
These remarks were made after he was questioned about his stance on right-wing podcaster Nick Fuentes, who has made various racist remarks regarding Vance’s wife and children due to their Indian background. Fuentes’ latest comments, which included a racial slur aimed at Usha Vance, have faced condemnation from Republicans like Vivek Ramaswamy.
Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance arrive for President Donald Trump to sign an executive order related to foster children and families in the East Room of the White House in Washington, November 13, 2025.Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images
Vance also criticized former White House press secretary Jen Psaki, who now hosts a show on MS NOW. Psaki recently speculated about Vance’s marriage during her appearance on the "I've Had It" podcast, hinting that Usha Vance might need assistance as Vance pursues his presidential aspirations.
"I think the little Manchurian candidate, JD Vance, desires to be president more than anything else. I often wonder what his wife is thinking. Are you alright? Please blink four times. Come here, we’ll rescue you. And he’s prepared to do anything to achieve that goal," Psaki remarked on the podcast.
Vance responded to UnHerd: "Regarding Fuentes, I’ve criticized him before, but I want to be clear: anyone who attacks my wife, whether named Jen Psaki or Nick Fuentes, can eat s—. That’s my official position as vice president of the United States. Furthermore, I find it abhorrent for anyone to call for judging individuals based on their ethnic background, whether they are Jewish or white or otherwise. It’s repugnant, and we should not engage in it."
Vice President JD Vance concluded AmericaFest, the inaugural Turning Point USA summit following the passing of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, on December 21, 2025.Caitlin O’Hara/Reuters
Vance’s request to disavow Fuentes also follows a speech by conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who urged conservative figures to distance themselves from Fuentes during his address at AmericaFest.
Usha Vance is the first Indian American second lady in U.S. history. Before her husband’s election as vice president, she worked as an attorney in a firm that handled civil litigation. She and JD Vance met while attending Yale Law School and have three children.
During the 2024 campaign, Usha Vance encountered racist backlash on social media from far-right posts.
In October, Vice President Vance defended his remarks about his faith and marriage after critics accused him of undermining his wife’s Hindu beliefs during a Turning Point USA event.
At the event, Vance discussed his conversion to Catholicism and expressed hope that "eventually my wife comes to see it the same way."
"However, if she doesn't, then God has given everyone free will, and that doesn’t present an issue for me,” the vice president stated.
In response to the online criticism regarding his statements, Vance posted on X, "My Christian faith assures me that the Gospel is true and beneficial for humanity. My wife — as I mentioned at the TPUSA — is the most incredible blessing in my life. She encouraged me to reconnect with my faith many years ago. While she is not a Christian and does not intend to convert, like many individuals in interfaith marriages — or any interfaith relationships — I hope that one day she may view things from my perspective. Regardless, I will continue to love and
Sourse: abcnews.go.com