Usha Vance's Connections to Supreme Court Justices Raises Concerns

Usha Vance, the wife of Donald Trump's newly tapped running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, previously clerked for two of the Supreme Court's conservative judges, leading to some commenters online expressing concerns over potential implications for future court rulings.

The former president announced on Monday that the Ohio senator was his White House vice presidential pick at the Republican National Convention (RNC).

It did not take long for attention to turn to Usha Vance, who was most recently a corporate litigator at a firm which represents clients in the entertainment, technology, energy and health care industries, according to her LinkedIn profile.

She resigned from that position shortly after JD Vance was announced as Trump's running mate, according to multiple reports.

However, some of her previous roles quickly started gaining some scrutiny, notably her clerkships for Brett Kavanaugh before he was a appointed to the Supreme Court and the current Chief Justice John Roberts. Both men make up part of the highest court's 6-3 conservative majority.

A number of social media users questioned what kind of influence Usha Vance could have if there is a disputed election in November.

It is notable that the Supreme Court has not taken up any of Trump's previous election cases involving the 2020 White House race, despite three of the justices—Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch and Amy Coney Barrett—having been appointed by the former president.

History writer Michael Harriot took to social media to address his 532,000 followers about his concerns over a close election.

He shared a screengrab on X, formerly Twitter, of an article laying out Usha Vance's clerkships, writing, "Wait … The wife of Trump's VP pick clerked for Chief Justice John Robert AND Brett Kavanaugh? I'm sure that won't matter in a disputed election."

Leah McElrath, a human rights activist with 137,000 followers on X, posted: "JD Vance's wife, Usha Vance, clerked for right-wing SCOTUS Justices Roberts and Kavanaugh. In case you're wondering where all of this is going."

Beks (@antifaoperative), a prominent liberal activist with 187,000 followers on X, wrote: "And now we know why Mango Mussolini picked him."

Similarly, Melly Cumberbatch (@MellyMelly10977) said: "That was deliberate. Analysts look at Mr Vance and don't see what he brings to the ticket. He brings Mrs Vance, and a pledge not to certify a Dem win in 28."

Chicago-based Derrick D. Brown commented on what multiple others said in the thread, writing, "So incestuous!"

Democrat supporter (@clalter69) sarcastically wrote: "I'm sure they no longer would be in contact or anything. Like secretly helping back channel to hide their communications? Of course not. Trump isn't like that. All honestly from that man."

Newsweek has contacted Trump and Vance, via their campaign teams' email addresses, for a response.

The widespread online concern among liberal commentators follows a series of controversial opinions from the Supreme Court in recent years that has led to growing dissatisfaction with the highest court in the land.

High-profile rulings, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, or the recent ruling that gives former president Donald Trump immunity from prosecution for "official acts" as president, coupled with several ethics scandals, has led to outrage from Democrats.

President Joe Biden is reportedly considering backing a host of Supreme Court reforms, including setting term limits for justices, according to a report from The Washington Post citing "two people briefed on the plans."

Who is Usha Vance?

Usha Vance and her husband appeared holding hands on the RNC floor about an hour after Trump made the long-awaited announcement about his running mate. She was born to Indian immigrant parents, and grew up with a strong emphasis on education and hard work in a San Diego suburb.

The couple met at Yale University, when Usha Vance was studying history, and they ended up getting married in 2014, holding two ceremonies, including one where they were blessed by a Hindu pandit. The couple now has three children.

Usha was actually a registered Democrat in 2014, according to voter registration records reviewed by Newsweek. She registered as a Republican in 2018.

Updated 7/17/2024 at 6:25 p.m. ET: This story was updated to include more information.

Correction 7/17/2024 at 6:25 p.m. ET: This story was corrected to say Usha Vance had stepped down from her litigator position after JD Vance was nominated for vice president.