Usha Vance’s Ties with Supreme Court Justices Spark Concerns

By: Georgia | Published: Jul 17, 2024

Usha Vance serves as a corporate litigator at a law firm that represents various industries including entertainment, technology, energy, and healthcare. 

Her professional journey is notably marked by her time clerking for Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts before they ascended to their current positions.

Announcement at the Republican National Convention

At the Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump named Ohio Senator JD Vance as his choice for Vice President. 

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A large crowd at the Republican National Convention with attendees holding signs and banners, with large screens displaying political messages overhead

Source: GOP/X

This announcement quickly shifted public attention towards his wife, Usha Vance, focusing on her credentials and past roles.

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Supreme Court Connections

Previously, Usha Vance worked closely with Brett Kavanaugh and John Roberts, both of whom are now part of the Supreme Court’s conservative majority. 

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Official portrait of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh smiling, dressed in his black judicial robe

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This connection has raised questions about the potential influence these relationships might hold within political circles.

Reaction on Social Media

Following the announcement, historian Michael Harriot highlighted her connections on social media, stating, “Wait … The wife of Trump’s VP pick clerked for Chief Justice John Robert AND Brett Kavanaugh? I’m sure that won’t matter in a disputed election.” 

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Official portrait of Chief Justice John Roberts, featuring a straightforward expression and dressed in his black judicial robe

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This post points to a concern about the implications of her past associations.

Speculations About Political Strategy

Social media user Melly Cumberbatch suggested a strategic motive behind JD Vance’s selection.

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JD Vance speaking at a public event, smiling broadly and dressed in a casual blazer over a plaid shirt

Source: Wikimedia Commons

They posted, “That was deliberate. Analysts look at Mr Vance and don’t see what he brings to the ticket. He brings Mrs Vance, and a pledge not to certify a Dem win in 28.”

Allegations of Concealed Communications

A Democrat supporter expressed skepticism about the transparency of Usha’s connections.

JD Vance and Usha Vance embracing on a rooftop at night with a view of the illuminated Washington D.C. skyline in the background

Source: JDVance1/X

They wrote, “I’m sure they no longer would be in contact or anything. Like secretly helping back channel to hide their communications? Of course not. Trump isn’t like that. All honestly from that man.”

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Public Concerns

The use of personal relationships in professional and political contexts was criticized by Derrick D. Brown who commented on the situation as “So incestuous!” 

Usha Vance smiling alongside an older woman in a red dress in a park setting, with JD Vance visible in the background

Source: JDVance1/X

This reflects a broader concern about the blending of personal connections and professional duties in governance.

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Background and Upbringing

Usha Vance was born to Indian immigrant parents in a suburb of San Diego, California. 

Usha Vance seated in a diner, smiling at the camera, with her baby in her lap

Source: JDVance1/X

Her upbringing was heavily focused on the values of education and hard work, shaping her approach to both her career and personal life.

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Personal Life and Marriage

Usha and JD Vance met at Yale University where Usha was studying history. 

A view of Yale University's campus buildings at sunset with vibrant orange and pink skies in the background

Source: Yale University/Facebook

They married in 2014 in a ceremony that included traditional Hindu blessings, reflecting her cultural heritage. Their relationship has been both a personal and professional alliance.

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Change in Political Affiliation

Originally registered as a Democrat in 2014, Usha Vance switched her registration to the Republican Party in 2018. 

A graphic representation of the Democratic Party's symbol, featuring a blue background with a white silhouette of a donkey inside a red and white striped rectangle

Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

This shift in political allegiance has been noted as part of her evolving public and personal identity.

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Family and Public Image

The Vances, who have three children, often present a united family front in public appearances. 

Usha Vance and JD Vance smiling in a hospital room, with Usha holding a newborn baby.

Source: JDVance1/X

Their family dynamics and public portrayal are frequently discussed in the context of their political and professional engagements.

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Implications for Future Political Influence

With the upcoming election, the role of Usha Vance’s past and her connections to key judicial figures remain a focal point of discussion. 

JD Vance gesturing while speaking, standing in front of an aircraft inside a hangar, dressed in a blue blazer and white shirt

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Her background and relationships continue to be dissected for potential impacts on political strategies and decisions within the Republican Party.

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