Camilla Jessen
NBC interview puts speculation to rest.
Vice President JD Vance has spoken publicly for the first time about online rumours surrounding his 11-year marriage, after his wife, Usha Vance, was photographed without her wedding ring during an official visit last month.
The image was taken while she accompanied First Lady Melania Trump on a stop at a military training facility in North Carolina.
Rumours gain traction
A spokesperson for the second lady told People that Usha is “a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes.”
Despite that clarification, speculation intensified, fuelled in part by footage from a Turning Point USA event involving Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk.
Erika had publicly praised Vance and his wife for supporting her family after her husband’s death, telling attendees, “They are the most incredible people… They’ve been there for us.”
Even so, a hug between her and Vance drew scrutiny online.
Vance pushes back
In an interview with NBC News on Dec. 5, the vice president dismissed the rumours outright.
“Our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been,” he said, adding that he and Usha “kind of get a kick out of” the speculation.
He acknowledged that public life brings scrutiny, but stressed that the upsides outweigh the challenges.
“You accept that there are some sacrifices and there are some very good things that come along with it, too,” he said.
Vance also praised how Usha has adapted to her role as second lady, noting she has “really taken to it” and that watching her evolve has been “kind of cool.”
Erika Kirk responds
During the online debate, Erika Kirk addressed the viral hug on The Megyn Kelly Show, explaining that her “love language” is physical touch.
Calling herself “a hugger,” she added, “Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves. I will give you a free hug, anytime you want a hug.”
Recalling the moment, she said she began crying as she approached Vance.
According to her, he told her, “He’s so proud of you,” prompting her to respond, “God bless you,” while placing a hand on the back of his head — something she described as a familiar gesture with close friends.
Sources: People; NBC News; The Megyn Kelly Show.
