US Vice President JD Vance has come under fire following remarks about his wife, Usha Vance, who comes from a Hindu family. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi on October 29, Vance expressed his hope that one day his wife, who is Hindu, would embrace Christianity. His statement quickly ignited a firestorm on social media, sparking accusations of insensitivity and disrespect toward Hinduism.
Vance, whose wife was raised in a Hindu household but identified as agnostic at the time they met, clarified that Usha has no plans to convert and emphasized his deep respect for her beliefs. “She is the most amazing blessing in my life,” he said. Vance also highlighted that it was Usha who encouraged him to reconnect with Christianity many years ago. Despite their differing faiths, Vance reaffirmed his love and respect for his wife.
The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) sharply criticized Vance’s remarks, urging him to understand Hinduism better and respect the religious freedoms it embodies. HAF noted that Hinduism is inherently pluralistic and inclusive, allowing individuals the freedom to understand divinity in their own way without coercion to convert.
With respect @JDVance, if your wife encouraged you to re-engage with your faith, why not reciprocate that and engage with Hinduism too?
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) October 31, 2025
If you did you may well learn that Hinduism doesn’t share the need to wish your spouse comes around to see things as you do in terms of… https://t.co/fkQQgclNDl
British journalist Mehdi Hasan also weighed in, criticizing conservative Hindu and Jewish groups allied with Donald Trump for aligning with Christian nationalists who may not have their best interests at heart.
The controversy reflects heightened sensitivities in the US political climate regarding religious identity, interfaith marriages, and the impact of religious nationalism. Vance’s comments have become a focal point for wider debates on religious tolerance and political rhetoric.
This incident underscores the complexity of interfaith relationships in politics and illustrates the challenges public figures face when discussing faith publicly while navigating multicultural expectations.