Imagine juggling the responsibilities of being a high-profile public figure, raising three young kids, and blending two very different religious traditions — all under one roof.
That’s exactly the kind of balancing act Second Lady Usha Vance is navigating these days.
In her first major interview since moving into the Vice President’s residence at the Naval Observatory, Usha opened up to Meghan McCain on the Citizen McCain show, sharing how she and her husband, Vice President J.D. Vance, are raising their children in a household where both Hinduism and Catholicism are part of daily life.
A First-of-Its-Kind Interview
The wide-ranging conversation between the two millennial moms touched on everything from motherhood to faith, marriage, and even what Usha does for fun.
It’s the first time she’s really sat down for an in-depth on-air chat since stepping into the national spotlight in January.
And she didn’t hold back when it came to talking about what it’s like raising kids in a “split faith” household.
From Conversations to Commitments
When Meghan asked how she manages her Hindu background alongside her husband’s Catholicism, Usha shared some background.
“When I first met J.D., he wasn’t Catholic yet. He converted later on,” she explained.
That conversion sparked a series of meaningful — and necessary — conversations between the couple.
“When someone becomes Catholic, there are commitments involved,” she said, especially the expectation of raising kids in the faith.
Those early talks helped lay the foundation for how they’d raise their family.
Faith Choices for the Children
In the end, the Vances decided to enroll their kids — Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel — in Catholic school.
But it’s not a one-size-fits-all decision. “We’ve given each of them the choice,” Usha said.
Their eldest, Ewan, has already chosen to be baptized Catholic.
Their middle child, Vivek, is still deciding.
For them, faith is less about enforcing rules and more about offering both structure and freedom.
Blending Traditions at Home
Even though Catholicism plays a big role in their household, Usha ensures that Hindu traditions are alive and well, too.
She talked about how the family attends church together, making it a shared experience.
At the same time, the kids are also immersed in Hindu culture — through books, stories, and even a recent family trip to India that included spiritual and cultural elements.
Grandma’s Influence and Daily Hindu Life
One of the most meaningful links to Hinduism comes from Usha’s own family, especially her grandmother.
“She’s deeply religious. She prays daily, visits the temple regularly, and performs pujas,” Usha said.
These simple but powerful daily practices give the children hands-on exposure to Hindu life.
While they may not celebrate every Hindu festival at home, Usha said the kids stay connected by calling relatives during those times.
A Colorful Celebration on the Horizon
Looking ahead, Usha teased a joyful event that might be coming to the Vice President’s residence next year — a Holi celebration.
“We’re hoping to host a Holi party and we’re really looking forward to it,” she said with a smile.
The Vances would be following in a long tradition of Vice Presidential families using their official home to host cultural and social gatherings.
A Space for Celebration and Culture
The Naval Observatory has seen its fair share of memorable events — from pool parties during Joe Biden’s VP years to a hip hop celebration thrown by Kamala Harris.
A Holi event, where guests joyfully toss colorful powders to welcome spring, would be a first.
And it would mark yet another step in making space for Hindu traditions at the heart of American political life.
Breaking Ground in American Politics
Usha Vance isn’t just creating a unique family experience — she’s also making history.
As the first member of a first or second family to actively practice Hinduism, she’s bringing a new perspective to the national stage.
Though former VP Kamala Harris had a Hindu-influenced childhood, her adult religious identity leaned toward the Baptist church.
Meanwhile, Tulsi Gabbard, a practicing Hindu, made her own historic mark by serving in a U.S. Cabinet-level position as Director of National Intelligence.
What’s Next for the Vance Family?
As the Vances settle into life at the Naval Observatory and continue shaping their unique family journey, one thing is clear: they’re committed to honoring both of their traditions while giving their kids the freedom to choose.
Whether it’s through temple visits, Sunday Mass, or a splash of colored powder at Holi, Usha Vance is helping write a new kind of story for America’s second family — one that embraces faith, family, and the beauty of diversity.