US Vice President JD Vance has responded to rumours after his wife, Usha Vance, was seen without her wedding ring.
Usha joined First Lady Melania Trump for a visit to a military training facility in North Carolina last month, however, people were quick to notice that she was missing her ring on that finger.
Usha later responded to rumours about her 11-year marriage to JD after speculation circulated about a potential rift between the pair, who have three children together.
A spokesperson for the second lady told People that she is 'a mother of three young children, who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes'.
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Social media likes to run with narratives as it is, though a lot of attention was put on JD Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of political activist Charlie Kirk, as their interactions at a Turning Point USA event were questioned.
Erika went as far as saying that while no one could replace Charlie, she can 'see some similarities of my husband in JD — in Vice President JD Vance', before sharing a hug which some thought was 'inappropriate'.
It's a topic that has been hotly debated since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, though Erika did also say at the time: "He's been a blessing. He and Usha, they are the most incredible people. Incredible. With such genuine love. I mean, just everything they did for us was so humanised. They were there for us. They've been there for us."
JD Vance has now addressed the speculation in an interview with NBC News today (5 December).
When asked about Usha being spotted without her ring, he replied: "Our marriage is as strong as it’s ever been," going as far as claiming that they 'kind of get a kick out of' rumours around their marriage.
The VP added that 'with anything in life, you take the good with the bad', when speaking about the attention his relationship has received.
"You accept that there are some sacrifices and there are some very good things that come along with it, too," JD added, before praising his wife for the transition she has made in becoming the second lady of the US.
He said that she has 'really taken to it', admitting: "It’s been kind of cool to see how she’s developed and evolved in this new role."
Usha has dealt with her husband's views on immigration, mirroring those of Trump's, with the latter's administration even sending thousands sent to one of the 'world's worst prisons', while others considered criminals have reportedly been deported with no explanation or trial.
Erika has since commented on her controversial embrace with JD, explaining on The Megyn Kelly Show that her 'love language' is physical touch, describing herself as a 'hugger'.
"Whoever is hating on a hug needs a hug themselves – I will give you a free hug, anytime you want a hug," she said, before providing a play-by-play of the viral moment.
"I'm walking over, he's walking over, I'm starting to cry," Erika continued, revealing that Vance said: "He’s so proud of you."
She went on: "And I say, ‘God bless you’, and I touch the back of his head. Anyone who I’ve hugged, that I’ve touched the back of your head when I hug you – I always say ‘God bless you’."
Topics: JD Vance, Social Media, US News
Joshua Nair