Usha Vance’s Political Shift: From Hillary Clinton Supporter to MAGA Advocate
Courtesy: abcnews
JD Vance’s well-documented political transformation from a Donald Trump critic to one of his staunchest allies is familiar, but the story of his wife, Usha Vance, adds another compelling dimension to his rise in the Republican Party.
Once a registered Democrat and a supporter of Hillary Clinton, Usha’s shift toward backing her husband’s embrace of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement has raised eyebrows, particularly given her previous political affiliations and professional background.
Before her political shift, Usha was known to lean Democratic. According to sources, JD Vance confided in friends that Usha had intended to vote for Clinton in the 2016 presidential election when Clinton was Trump’s primary rival. Usha’s professional background also reflected this political alignment—she worked at Munger, Tolles & Olson, a progressive law firm that is known for supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion, values typically associated with the Democratic Party.
Usha’s past support for Clinton was not just a passing phase; it seemingly represented the ideals she personally held at the time. However, as JD Vance’s political career evolved and he became a rising figure within the Republican Party, Usha’s views also appeared to shift. Despite her past affiliations, she has now embraced her husband’s MAGA agenda.
Close friends and insiders claim that Usha is fully aligned with JD on political matters. “There is no daylight between her and JD on politics,” one source said. Another insider described her as an important intellectual partner to JD, noting, “I know Usha spent a ton of time talking it through with him and making sure it was in his voice… She has absolutely sharpened his thoughts.”
JD has frequently acknowledged the toll his political career has taken on their family and expressed gratitude for Usha’s unwavering support. During his Senate campaign, he emphasized her integral role in his success. As reported by The Daily Beast, JD said, “Running for office takes an incredible toll on family… and I wouldn’t be here without Usha. So thank you, honey, from the bottom of my heart.” Friends describe their relationship as a “joint venture,” with Usha actively involved in JD’s political journey rather than serving as a passive supporter.
However, some observers remain skeptical of Usha’s political transformation, wondering whether her support for the MAGA movement is a strategic alignment with her husband’s ambitions rather than a reflection of her true beliefs. A source close to the couple said, “I never thought of her as someone who would run for office. I saw her more as someone destined for success in a powerful, behind-the-scenes role.” Despite these doubts, Usha’s evolution alongside JD underscores the complexity of their partnership and the influence she wields in his political life.
