In true Donald Trump fashion, the newly sworn-in 47th President of the United States turned heads with an unexpected remark during his inaugural address on Monday. Trump, addressing a packed Capitol Rotunda, joked that he would have chosen Usha Vance, the wife of his Vice President JD Vance, as his running mate—if “the line of succession worked that way.”
The lighthearted comment came as Trump praised JD Vance, his newly sworn-in Vice President, for his sharp intellect and successful Senate career. “JD was a great senator, and a very, very smart one. The only one smarter is his wife,” Trump quipped, prompting laughter from the audience, including JD and Usha Vance.
Turning to JD, Trump added with a grin, “I would have chosen her, but somehow the line of succession didn’t work that way, right?” Vance, visibly amused, nodded in agreement, as the room erupted in laughter.
Usha Vance, who attended the ceremony with her family, quickly became a social media darling after her composed and proud demeanor was captured during JD Vance’s swearing-in. Holding their daughter close, she watched her husband take the oath with unwavering focus, a moment that resonated with viewers online.
Many praised her elegance and poise, with one user commenting, “Usha Vance is the picture of grace and strength—what a role model.”
The ceremony drew an elite crowd, including former President Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Elon Musk, and India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Trump took the opportunity to acknowledge the younger attendees in the crowd, humorously contrasting their energy with those seated inside the Rotunda.
Trump’s endorsement of JD Vance during his Senate campaign in Ohio played a pivotal role in the latter’s political rise. Their camaraderie was evident during the inauguration, with Trump repeatedly lauding the “great, beautiful couple” and their “unbelievable career.”