'Making Fun Of Spouse Not A Flex': JD Vance’s 'She Has To Smile' Remark On Wife Sparks Row

Last Updated:March 15, 2025, 16:17 IST

The comment was made during a public event in Michigan, and a video of Vance’s remark has since gone viral on the social media platform X

News18

Vice President JD Vance has found himself at the centre of controversy after making a comment about his wife, Usha Vance, suggesting that when “cameras are all on," she “has to smile" whenever he speaks. The remark has drawn significant backlash on social media.

The comment was made during a public event in Michigan, and a video of Vance’s remark has since gone viral on the social media platform X.

In the footage, Vance begins by praising his wife, saying she is “doing a great job as the second lady of the United States" and expressing his pride in having her by his side. Usha can be seen standing behind him with a smile.

However, the mood shifted when Vance continued, saying, “Here’s the thing. The cameras are all on; anything I say, no matter how crazy, she has to smile, laugh, and celebrate it." As he said this, Usha is seen smiling widely.

While Usha’s grin may have appeared light-hearted at the time, the remark did not sit well with many on social media. Critics quickly took to the platform to voice their concerns, with many describing Vance’s comment as “tasteless humour." Some users even suggested that Usha should “run" and criticised the VP for making light of his wife’s position in a way they deemed disrespectful.

One comment read, “That sounds like a threat. She should consult a lawyer and ensure the long-term safety and security of herself and the children. I know how this goes over time in a marriage. The threats get real." Another user shared, “Making fun of your wife is not the flex you think it is," while another pointed out, “Just the way the GOP likes their women, subservient, docile and obedient."

There were also comments expressing frustration with Vance’s style of humour, with one user stating, “His attempt at humor is always tasteless.. or is that just me?"

Others, particularly those who viewed Usha as an accomplished professional, criticised the dynamic between the couple. One user wrote, “Congratulations to Usha Vance, a supposedly accomplished attorney who is now a merely decorative cheerleader."

Some users even linked the incident to the broader context of Women’s Month, with one comment sarcastically saying, “The classic ‘just smile and nod’ routine! Because what better way to celebrate Women’s Month than by reminding women their role is to grin through whatever comes their way? Maybe someone should suggest that, this Women’s Month, he try something radical like actually letting her express what she thinks, even if it’s just through gestures."

United States of America (USA)

News world 'Making Fun Of Spouse Not A Flex': JD Vance’s 'She Has To Smile' Remark On Wife Sparks Row