JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, has sharply responded to accusations that he was yelling at his wife, Usha, in a viral photograph taken at a restaurant earlier this week.
The image quickly sparked criticism and speculation about the state of their marriage, but Vance is setting the record straight with his own comment on social media.
The Controversial Photo
The drama began when an unverified photograph began circulating online, showing Vance, dressed in a white T-shirt, seemingly mid-yell at his wife while sitting across from her in a restaurant booth.
In the photo, Usha, his wife of over a decade, can be seen with her head in her hands, which led some to believe the couple was engaged in a heated argument.
Critics quickly pounced on the image, with some questioning the nature of the couple's relationship.
One commenter posted on Facebook: “Looks like things are not so good in Republicanistan.”
The same person also pointed out the apparent political divide between the couple, noting: “Usha is a liberal. Always has been.”
JD and Usha Vance have been married for over 10 years. Credit: Drew Angerer / Getty
JD Vance's Sarcastic Response
As the rumors swirled, Vance took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to shut down the claims with his signature sarcastic humor.
He wrote: “I always wear an undershirt when I go out in public to have a fight loudly with my wife.”
His response, dripping with sarcasm, was meant to defuse the tension surrounding the image. It also hinted at how he handles online speculation with a dose of humor.
This came after some suggested the photo might be an AI-generated fake, further complicating the narrative.
Speculation About Their Marriage
The controversy over the restaurant photo isn't the first time the Vances' relationship has caught the public's attention.
Rumors have been swirling for months about the couple's dynamic, especially after a lingering embrace between JD Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was tragically assassinated in September.
During that period, Erika, who is now the CEO of Turning Point USA, drew attention to the similarities between her late husband and Vance.
She also endorsed Vance for a potential 2028 presidential bid, fueling even more public curiosity about the Vice President’s personal life.
Adding fuel to the fire, Usha Vance was recently spotted without her wedding ring at various public events, including appearances alongside First Lady Melania Trump.
This raised further questions about the state of her marriage, especially when she was photographed without her ring at a moment when her public profile was under intense scrutiny.
Usha Vance was spotted without her wedding ring. Credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty
Usha’s Explanation for Missing Her Ring
Usha, however, addressed the speculation with a lighthearted comment through a spokesperson.
She explained that her busy schedule as a mother and homemaker, which includes doing "a lot of dishes" and giving "lots of baths," often causes her to forget to wear her rings, per PEOPLE.
The spokesperson clarified: “She’s busy being a mom and running a household."