Additional Coverage:
- Usha Vance cancels engagement ‘last minute’ with two-word excuse on first solo foreign trip (irishstar.com)
Second Lady Usha Vance’s first solo international trip hit a few snags. Representing the U.S. at the 2025 Special Olympics in Turin, Italy, Vance’s cheerful demeanor contrasted sharply with the event’s theme of inclusion, a concept at odds with her husband Vice President JD Vance’s political stances. The Vice President has openly criticized Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, even authoring legislation to dismantle such programs.
While Vance beamed for the cameras alongside her son at the opening ceremony, the celebratory atmosphere may have been tinged with awkwardness given the Mayor of Turin’s emphasis on sports as a vehicle for inclusion. Following the ceremony, Vance canceled several appearances, including a dinner at the Automobile Museum and a visit to the Egyptian Museum, citing jet lag.
The Second Lady’s presence at the Special Olympics also drew attention to past disparaging remarks about people with disabilities made by both President Trump and the Vice President. While it’s unclear if Vance has addressed these comments privately, she has not publicly commented on them. She is expected to return to the U.S. on Monday.