In a recent episode of the ‘I’ve Had It’ podcast, former MSNBC anchor Joy Reid made controversial remarks suggesting that Senator JD Vance could potentially distance himself from his wife, Usha, due to her Indian-American heritage, all in a strategic move to boost his chances for a presidential run in 2028. Reid speculated that Vance might opt for a relationship with Erika, the widow of Charlie Kirk, to gain favor with the political base.
During the discussion, Reid expressed her views on the motivations driving supporters of former President Donald Trump, stating that she believes they are “fundamentally racist” and would not embrace Usha Vance as a future First Lady. She elaborated, telling podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie ‘Pumps’ Sullivan that Vance might not be the successor to the MAGA movement he envisions himself to be. According to Reid, the perceived racial and cultural dynamics could be a significant hurdle for his political aspirations.
Reid further commented on the complexities surrounding Vance’s political image, suggesting, “They can’t have the successor to MAGA be the guy with the brown Hindu wife.” She added that the intertwining of Christian nationalism with political ideologies would likely complicate acceptance of such a diverse family background within that voter base. Reid provocatively speculated that Vance might be willing to “throw his wife under the bus” for political gain, suggesting either Usha is unaware or a willing participant in this alleged strategy.
The conversation took another turn when Welch, who previously faced backlash for her comments on Charlie Kirk’s death, raised the notion of an alleged romantic overture between Vance and Erika Kirk. This speculation was sparked by a hug shared on stage during Charlie Kirk’s memorial, which Welch used as a point of contention against Vance.
‘They’re also Christian nationalists – that ain’t going to work. That’s why he’s throwing his wife under the bus. Poor Usha. Or she’s in on it. Right?’ Reid said.
Welch, who sparked outrage for laughing at Charlie Kirk’s death back in September, then brought up Erika Kirk, accusing Vance of engaging in an amorous exchange with the widow for hugging her on-stage at her husband’s memorial.
‘Playing slap and tickle with Erika Kirk, it’s the weirdest s**t I’ve ever seen,’ she said.
Reid reprimanded Kirk for ‘holding on the back of [Vance’s] head and rubbing on his head’ during the embrace, adding that if it was her husband, ‘I’m going start thinking something’s going on.’
Ex-MSNBC host Joy Reid made the tasteless comments on the ‘I’ve Had It’ podcast
Reid said Donald Trump’s supporters are ‘fundamentally racist’ and would not stand for an Indian-American first lady. Pictured, Vice President JD Vance with his daughter Mirabel and Second Lady Usha Vance
Hosts Jennifer Welch and Angi ‘Pump’ Sullivan both cackled over Reid’s comments
‘You not doing that right thing. Supposed to be a widow,’ Reid continued of Kirk’s appearance at the memorial. ‘You in leather pants? That’s not widow-wear.’
Welch and Sullivan both cackled in response.
‘Wouldn’t it be the most perfect fairy tale, MAGA fairy tale, if he finally sees the light that he needs a white queen instead of this brown Hindu?’ said Reid, who was let go from MSNBC after a series of controversial social media rants and on-air outbursts.
‘I mean, I’m not saying that’s happening, or maybe that Usha is not even in on it. Maybe she is – whatever. But that’s one entrant.’
During a live on-stage interview with Megyn Kelly last week, Kirk revealed what Vance whispered in her ear during their much-scrutinized hug.
‘My love language is touch, if you will … So I will give you a play by play,’ Kirk told the former Fox News host in front of an audience of thousands in Glendale, Arizona.
‘They just played the emotional video. I’m walking over, he’s walking over. I’m starting to cry. He says, ‘I’m so proud of you.’ And I say, ‘God bless you,’ and I touch the back of his head.
‘Anyone whom I have hugged that I have touched the back of your head when I hug you, I always say, ‘God bless you.”
Kelly responded with a quick joke, ‘They were acting like you touched the back of his ass!’
![Reid reprimanded Kirk for 'holding on the back of [Vance's] head and rubbing on his head' during their embrace at Charlie Kirk's memorial service](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/11/26/15/104207509-15328281-Reid_said_Vance_could_instead_marry_Erika_Kirk_because_she_is_wh-m-3_1764172486473.jpg)
Reid reprimanded Kirk for ‘holding on the back of [Vance’s] head and rubbing on his head’ during their embrace at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service
During a live on-stage interview with Megyn Kelly, Kirk revealed what Vance whispered in her ear during their much-scrutinized hug
Usha was spotted without her wedding ring during a visit to Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina last week
‘I feel like I wouldn’t get as much hate if I did that!’ Kirk said with a laugh.
Usha, meanwhile, was spotted without her wedding ring during a visit to Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina last week.
After suffering vicious online trolling for not wearing her ring, a spokeswoman for the Second Lady poured cold water on the speculation, stating that she ‘is a mother of three young children who does a lot of dishes, gives lots of baths, and forgets her ring sometimes’.
Earlier this month, Vance, 41, admitted at a Mississippi Turning Point USA event that he previously pleaded with his wife to convert from Hinduism. Vance is a Roman Catholic.
The comments sparked backlash, causing Vance to clarify in a post to X: ‘She is not Christian and has no plans to convert.’
The two married in 2014 and share three children.
The Daily Mail has contacted Vance’s office and Kirk’s Turning Point USA for comment.
