Vance Defends Interfaith Remarks at Turning Point USA

Vice President JD Vance said at a Turning Point USA event that he and his wife Usha—who was raised in a Hindu family—are raising their children as Christians and he hopes she might one day embrace his Christian faith, though she often attends church and has no plans to convert. He defended the remarks after a social-media backlash, saying Usha encouraged him to re-engage with his faith, that he loves and supports her, and that it is normal for Christians to share their beliefs, while dismissing accusations of disrespect and decrying anti‑Christian bias. The comments drew sharp criticism from sections of the Indian‑American community and Hindu leaders, including the Hindu American Foundation, which said the remarks insulted Hindu traditions and amounted to “Hindu‑phobia.” Critics accused him of throwing his wife’s religion “under the bus,” while supporters in the audience—particularly MAGA‑aligned and conservative Christians—reacted positively. The episode has intensified debate over faith politics, religious freedom, and how interfaith families navigate public life and political scrutiny.