Former US President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared victory in the 2024 presidential race after major US media outlets projected his win over Democratic rival Kamala Harris. Addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in Florida, Trump described the win as “an unprecedented and powerful mandate from the American people.” During his speech, he praised his running mate, JD Vance, along with Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, who both played significant roles in the campaign. Trump proclaimed, “Now I can say Vice President-elect of the United States, JD Vance, and his absolutely remarkable and beautiful wife, Usha Vance.”

Who is Usha Vance?

Originally named Usha Chilukuri, Usha Vance is the daughter of Indian immigrants. She spent her childhood in the San Francisco area. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge. She has built an impressive career in law, including clerkships with Supreme Court Justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh before Kavanaugh's appointment to the Court. He earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Yale University and a Master of Philosophy from the University of Cambridge.

Her professional journey includes clerkships with both the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, under Judge Brett Kavanaugh, and the Supreme Court of the United States, under Chief Justice John Roberts. These prestigious roles positioned her early in her career among top-tier legal minds and institutions.

Meeting JD Vance at Yale and Family Life

JD and Usha Vance first crossed paths at Yale Law School, where both were students. Their relationship blossomed during their studies, leading to their marriage in 2014, a year after graduation. The couple, who share three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—are known for their partnership, balancing their busy legal and political lives with a strong family foundation.

Usha Vance: A Role Behind the Scenes

While Usha has maintained a low public profile, her influence on her husband’s political journey has been evident. She played a key role in helping JD Vance articulate his views on the social struggles of rural America—insights that later formed the foundation of his best-selling memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, which was adapted into a 2020 film by Ron Howard.

Usha Vance may prove to be a Bridge for US-India Relations

With her knowledge of Indian culture and heritage, Usha Vance may serve as an influential figure in U.S.-India relations, especially if her husband’s political stature continues to rise. AI Mason, a U.S.-based real estate advisor and friend of the Trump family, acknowledged Usha’s potential influence in fostering bilateral ties, saying, "Usha Vance is a highly accomplished attorney and daughter of Indian immigrants -- and her husband brings youth and diversity to the Trump ticket." He added, "She knows the Indian culture and all about India. She can be a big help to her husband in navigating great ties between USA and India."