Second lady Usha Vance took a playful jab at the New York Times on Thursday after the paper published an analysis of her maternity wardrobe, joking that she had no idea her discount dress carried such “political significance.” In a social media post, Vance wrote, “Now that we know the political significance of my $8.75 coral maternity dress from Old Navy, can’t wait to hear what the New York Times has to say about my elastic-waistband pants and compression socks!”
The comment came in response to a Times article titled “The Politics and Power of the Pregnancy Image,” which examined how the pregnancies of Vance, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, and deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, have shaped a public image centered on family and motherhood within the Trump administration. The piece, written by chief fashion critic Vanessa Friedman, argued that the women “created a notably consistent, and somewhat paradigm-shifting, picture of the White House’s family and fertility platform.”
Vance later shared a receipt proving the coral dress, originally priced at $44.99, cost just $8.75 after markdowns and coupons. Her husband, Vice President JD Vance, joined in the ribbing, posting, “She bought a $50 dress for $8.75. America: meet your next director of the federal budget!” The lighthearted exchange underscores the couple’s comfort with self-deprecating humor, even as they navigate the intense scrutiny of national politics.
The Times defended its coverage. A spokesperson told USA TODAY the article offered “a fair and illuminating analysis of women in the Trump administration and their ownership of motherhood and image.” But the Vances’ pushback reflects a broader tension between the administration and mainstream media outlets over framing and focus.
The Vances are expecting a baby boy in July, their fourth child. They announced the pregnancy in January. The couple already has three young children: Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel. Their most recent child was born in December 2021, while JD Vance was campaigning for Senate in Ohio.
This isn’t the first time the vice president has mixed policy with personal moments. In a recent appearance, Vance’s pickle cake moment became a metaphor for his grind toward 2028, as he balances family life with political ambition. He also recently hosted GOP senators for dinner after a heated clash between Trump and Senator Bill Cassidy over Iran policy, signaling his role as a key bridge-builder within the party.
As the administration continues to project a family-first image, Usha Vance’s lighthearted dismissal of the fashion analysis may serve as a reminder that even in the White House orbit, not every wardrobe choice is a political statement.
