Vice President JD Vance strongly defended his wife, Usha Vance, against attacks from both ends of the political spectrum. In an interview with UnHerd, Vance addressed insults from white nationalist Nick Fuentes and former press secretary Jen Psaki. He used blunt language to declare that anyone attacking his wife can “eat s—.”
Vance stated that this is his “official policy” as the Vice President of the United States. Fuentes has previously used racial slurs against Usha Vance, who is Indian American. He even labeled the Vice President a “race traitor” for their marriage.
Jen Psaki also targeted the second lady on her MS NOW program. She joked that Usha Vance needed to be “saved” from her husband. Psaki asked Usha to “blink four times” if she needed help.
The Vice President also addressed broader issues of ethnic hatred within the movement. He told the outlet that antisemitism and all forms of hate have no place in conservatism. “I think it’s disgusting,” Vance said regarding attacks based on race or religion.
Divisions over these issues were visible at the Turning Point USA AmericaFest gathering. Ben Shapiro criticized Tucker Carlson for recently platforming Fuentes on his show. Shapiro called the move an “act of moral imbecility.”
Carlson responded to the backlash during the Phoenix conference. He characterized the criticism as an attempt at “denouncing and deplatforming.” The debate highlighted ongoing fissures regarding rhetoric and inclusivity.
Vance sought to strike a unifying tone during his own remarks at the event. He said he intends to fight alongside “each and every one” of his supporters. He emphasized that President Trump built a great coalition by avoiding “purity tests.”