WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance recently opened up about the influence his wife, Usha Vance, has on his personal and political life. Speaking at CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference), Vance shared how her advice keeps him grounded—even if he doesn’t always follow it right away.
Vance revealed that while Usha often encourages him to be more civil on social media, he struggles with that advice due to his belief that some people “need to be told when they are wrong.” Known for his confrontational online presence, Vance has made a name for himself as a vocal defender of Donald Trump’s policies, frequently sparring with critics on X (formerly Twitter).
However, there is one piece of advice from his wife that Vance said he always follows: “Don’t let them filter you.” This mantra, according to Vance, has helped him remain authentic and firm in his political beliefs, even when faced with pressure from political strategists and advisors who want to mold his public image into something more “likable.”
“I believe in what Trump is saying, and I’ve always moved ahead with that,” Vance told the CPAC audience.
A History of Controversial Views
Vance’s commitment to being his “authentic self” has often resulted in public controversy:
- He has previously made dismissive remarks about “menopausal women” and “childless cat ladies,” comments that drew widespread criticism for their sexist undertones.
- His aggressive online persona frequently targets liberals, often baiting them into arguments and fueling political polarization on social media.
While Vance’s supporters praise his “no-nonsense” approach, critics argue that his combative style reflects a broader trend of incivility in modern politics.
Vance’s Attacks on Global Leaders Raise Eyebrows
Vance’s confrontational stance extends beyond U.S. politics. During a recent trip to Europe, he criticized European leaders for their “liberal” policies and accused them of undermining free speech:
- He controversially suggested the cancellation of Romanian elections, claiming that the country’s democratic process was biased against dissenting views.
- Vance also condemned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for criticizing Donald Trump, ironically attacking Zelensky’s right to free expression while simultaneously defending free speech in other contexts.
These remarks have intensified concerns over Vance’s understanding of democratic principles and human rights, particularly in the realm of international diplomacy.
The Influence of Usha Vance
Despite his aggressive public persona, Vance claims his wife serves as a moral compass in his personal life. While her calls for civility and restraint on social media often go unheeded, her advice to stay true to himself resonates deeply with the vice president.
“She’s the one who reminds me to be authentic, even when the pressure is on to present a more ‘polished’ version of myself,” Vance said.
However, questions remain about whether Usha shares her husband’s more extreme political views. Public speculation has grown, particularly in light of Vance’s divisive statements on gender roles and family values.
A Divisive Political Figure on the Rise
Since becoming Donald Trump’s running mate, JD Vance has embraced his role as the defender of Trump’s most controversial policies:
- He has doubled down on his hardline stance on immigration and border security.
- Vance has also become a prominent advocate for free speech, though critics accuse him of hypocrisy when silencing views he disagrees with.
“I’m not here to sugarcoat anything. I’m here to stand firm with the president and defend our shared values,” Vance said at CPAC.