DISCLAIMER: This article was first published in July of 2024
J.D. Vance’s past comments have haunted him since Donald Trump announced him as his 2024 VP running mate. Remarks like calling Democrats “childless cat ladies” and comparing Trump to “America’s Hitler” have resurfaced. However, the far-right MAGA base seems to be more upset about Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri, a successful Indian-American litigator of Hindu faith. Racist attacks from MAGA extremists have targeted her, leading Vance to respond. But instead of a strong defense, his weak statement on The Megan Kelly Show further incited criticism, coming across as tone-deaf and inadequate.
“Obviously she’s not a white person…but I love Usha, she’s such a good mom.”
Honestly this is such a weird way to respond to white supremacist attacks on your Indian American wife. Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/aC5BIOzm1D
— Kaivan Shroff (@KaivanShroff) July 27, 2024
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During the interview, Vance addressed the attacks on his wife, stating, “I love my wife… Obviously, she’s not a white person.” His awkward phrasing came off as more of an excuse than a defense, leaving many to question his ability to support his spouse amid hateful rhetoric. Instead of standing up to the blatant racism, Vance’s statement did little to condemn the attacks, and his failure to emphatically support his wife has sparked further backlash.
The MAGA base, known for its extreme views, has made Usha a target of racist and xenophobic insults since the VP announcement. Figures like Nick Fuentes have led the charge, using their platforms to promote hate against her based on her ethnicity and religion. What should have been an opportunity for Vance to stand firm against white supremacy instead highlighted his lack of conviction in defending his wife and his family.
Nick Fuentes:
“J.D. Vance also has an Indian wife and a kid named Vivek. All his kids have Indian names—so it’s like, what exactly are we getting here? And that’s not a dig at him just because I’m a racist or something. But who is this guy really?”
pic.twitter.com/2P7KD2k6IK— Edward-Isaac Dovere (@IsaacDovere) July 16, 2024
It’s a pattern seen before in the Republican Party—leaders failing to fully confront the extremism festering within their own ranks. Vance’s reluctance to strongly stand against the racism directed at Usha sends a dangerous message: political ambition comes before personal integrity and the protection of one’s family. The public’s expectations of a more forceful rebuke of these attacks were left unmet, and Vance’s attempt to downplay the issue has only added fuel to the fire.
As the backlash continues, it’s clear that the far-right base’s intolerance extends beyond policy disagreements to outright bigotry against anyone who doesn’t fit their narrow view of who belongs in their America. Unfortunately for Vance, his inability to properly defend his wife in the face of such blatant racism may not only tarnish his reputation but also damage his chances of uniting an already divided party.
Featured image via screen capture/YouTube
