US Vice President JD Vance has stirred controversy after expressing hope that his wife, Usha, would embrace Christianity. Speaking at a Turning Point USA event at the University of Mississippi, Vance acknowledged Usha's Hindu background but stated, "I hope eventually my wife comes to see it the same way" regarding his Christian faith. His comments have ignited a heated debate about religious freedom and interfaith relationships in America.

Vance's remarks were met with applause from the conservative audience but drew significant criticism from Indian-American and pro-Hindu commentators. Critics accused him of being "Hinduphobic" and pandering to a Christian nationalist base. A social media influencer challenged Vance, saying, "It’s weird to throw your wife’s religion under the bus, in public, for a moment’s acceptance by groypers." In response, Vance defended his comments, stating, "My wife is the most amazing blessing I have in my life. She is not a Christian and has no plans to convert, but like many people in an interfaith marriage, I hope she may one day see things as I do."

The controversy escalated when Vance was questioned about how he ensures their children appreciate their mother's Hindu heritage. He noted that Usha grew up in a Hindu family but claimed it was not particularly religious, contradicting her previous statements about her observant family. Vance also mentioned that their two older children attend a Christian school and that Usha often accompanies him to church.

In a follow-up post, Vance labelled the backlash as "disgusting" and accused critics of "anti-Christian bigotry." He emphasized that faith is personal and differences in belief have not caused conflict in their marriage. Vance stated, "If she doesn't, then God says everybody has free will, and so that doesn't cause a problem for me."

The discussion has also drawn attention from other commentators, including Indian-origin MAGA activist Dinesh D'Souza, who supported Vance's stance, arguing that Christianity is a religion of conversion. This incident has reignited discussions about the experiences of Indian-Americans in politics, with comparisons made to figures like Bobby Jindal and Nikki Haley, who have also navigated interfaith dynamics in their personal lives.

As the debate continues, Vance maintains that he respects Usha's beliefs while expressing his hope for her to share his faith in the future. The couple, who have three children, have been open about their interfaith marriage, but this latest incident has raised questions about the complexities of faith and identity in public life.