Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, has revealed how she navigates differences of opinion with her husband, Vice President JD Vance, and how her previous support for the Democratic party influences her private counsel to him. Usha, who is 40, was a registered Democrat until 2014, the same year she married JD. Since then, JD has become vice president after a successful Ohio Senate run, and the couple has developed a strong partnership where Usha plays a key advisory role on issues important to JD.

“We approach things with the expectation of being open-minded and having conversations, where I can offer meaningful input from the perspective of someone who loves him and wants him to succeed,” Usha shared. “Even if we disagree, it’s always a productive exchange.” While her previous Democratic alignment might influence some of these discussions, Usha emphasizes that she has never felt pressured to change or renounce her beliefs. “I’ve never been subjected to any kind of litmus test,” she stated in an interview. “I was true to myself in 2014, and I remain true to myself today. I feel very comfortable in that environment.”

“I don’t feel the need to pretend or hide my views,” she added. “Back in 2014, I didn’t feel that pressure either. Sometimes my opinions align perfectly with one party, and other times they’re more unique. It’s a world that is quite accepting of this, especially since everyone knows how much I care about JD’s success.” As a mother of three with a fourth child on the way this summer, Usha recently announced a new podcast initiative focused on promoting childhood literacy. Titled “Storytime With the Second Lady,” the podcast will feature notable guests, such as NASCAR icon Danica Patrick, joining Usha to read short stories and explore their themes in episodes designed for young listeners.

She’s said the decline in literacy rates among children is ‘worrisome,’ adding that she wanted to do something to correct course. ‘If I was going to do anything, this would be the thing to focus on at this moment in time,’ she said. It is not the first time the Second Lady has advocated for reading. Vance promoted a program last year called the ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ where children were asked to read 12 books over the school break. Those who completed the challenge would receive a small prize and certificate, according to the competition rules.