At a Glance
- Usha Vance and Vice President JD Vance announced they are expecting a baby boy in late July, their third child together.
- The pregnancy marks the first time a sitting second lady has openly navigated a pregnancy.
- Only one other second lady, Ellen Wade Colfax, has welcomed a child while in office.
- Why it matters: It highlights a rare intersection of family life and the highest office in the land, drawing public attention to the personal side of politics.
The announcement came on the one-year anniversary of Vice President JD Vance‘s inauguration, when he and second lady Usha Vance revealed they are expecting a baby boy in late July. The couple, already parents to three children-son Ewan, 8; son Vivek, 5; and daughter Mirabel, 4-have not yet disclosed the name of their fourth child.
A Historic Pregnancy in the White House
The fact that Usha Vance, at 40 years old, is openly pregnant as a White House spouse is unprecedented. She is the youngest second lady since the Truman administration, when 38-year-old Jane Hadley Barkley entered Washington in the 1940s. Historically, only Ellen Wade Colfax, the wife of former Vice President Schuyler Colfax Jr., gave birth while her husband served in the second office in 1870.
- Usha Vance: 40 years old, first to openly navigate pregnancy as a second lady.
- Ellen Wade Colfax: 1870, only other instance.
- Jane Hadley Barkley: 38, youngest since the 1940s.
Historical Parallel: Schuyler Colfax Jr.
The Vances and the Colfaxes share a number of similarities. Schuyler Jr. began as a political journalist in Indiana, bought a local newspaper, and later served as a Republican representative before becoming Speaker of the House. JD, meanwhile, worked as a military journalist in the Marine Corps, attended law school, entered venture capitalism, and published Hillbilly Elegy. He was elected to the U.S. Senate at 38 and became Vice President early in his first term.
| Aspect | Schuyler Jr. | JD Vance |
|---|---|---|
| Early Career | Political journalist, newspaper owner | Military journalist, law school, venture capital |
| Political Rise | Republican Representative, Speaker of the House | U.S. Senator, Vice President |
| Age at Key Milestones | 31 (Congress), 38 (Speaker) | 38 (Senate), 42 (Vice President) |
Both men were elected to represent Ohio-Schuyler Jr. as a representative and JD Vance as a senator-highlighting a shared state affiliation.
Family Background and Parenting Themes
The Vances have long intertwined family life with public messaging. JD has repeatedly framed parenting as a political issue, referring to Democratic leadership as “a bunch of childless cat ladies” and speaking at the 2025 March for Life about wanting more babies in America. He stated, “Let me say very simply: I want more babies in the United States of America. I want more happy children in our country, and I want beautiful young men and women who are eager to welcome them into the world and eager to raise them.”
In 2017, when the couple was preparing for their first child, they appeared on NBC News to discuss balancing family and careers. JD said, “You don’t plan the baby around your life, you plan your life around the baby, and we’ll figure it out.”
Usha’s career shift followed JD’s nomination as President Donald Trump’s running mate in 2024. She resigned from her position as a lawyer at Munger, Tolles & Olson to focus on family, expressing gratitude for the opportunities and colleagues she had at the firm.
Public Statements and Political Messaging
The Vances’ public remarks often intertwine personal milestones with policy positions. JD’s comments at the March for Life were aimed at increasing birth rates, a stance that aligns with his broader political narrative. Meanwhile, Usha’s decision to step back from her legal career underscores the couple’s commitment to their children.
The announcement of a new baby boy has drawn media attention not only for its rarity but also for its potential political implications. The Vances’ family narrative may influence public perception of the administration’s stance on family values and demographic policies.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1870 | Ellen Wade Colfax gives birth to Schuyler Colfax III while her husband serves as Vice President |
| 1886 | Schuyler Colfax Jr. becomes Vice President after choosing Ulysses S. Grant’s running mate |
| 1898 | Schuyler Colfax III becomes youngest mayor of South Bend at 28 |
| 2011 | Pete Buttigieg elected mayor of South Bend at 29 |
| 2017 | JD and Usha discuss family planning on NBC News |
| 2024 | Usha resigns from law firm to focus on family |
| 2025 (March) | JD speaks at March for Life about wanting more babies |
| 2025 (Anniversary) | JD and Usha announce expecting a baby boy in late July |
Key Takeaways
- The Vances’ pregnancy is the first public, ongoing pregnancy by a second lady in U.S. history.
- The family’s public messaging links personal life with political rhetoric on birth rates and family values.
- Historical parallels with Schuyler Colfax Jr. and Ellen Wade Colfax underscore the rarity of such events.
- The Vances’ decision to prioritize family over professional roles highlights a shift in the administration’s image.
Why it matters: The announcement provides a unique glimpse into how the nation’s most visible family navigates personal milestones while in the public eye, potentially shaping public discourse on family, politics, and demographics.
