Usha Vance Leads U.S. Delegation to Special Olympics in Italy

Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, is leading the U.S. delegation at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. This marks her first major solo engagement since stepping into her new role. As described by CNN, she joins a team of seven, including Trump advisor Boris Epshteyn and Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy.

The Special Olympics, which highlight athletes with intellectual disabilities, take place every two years, alternating between summer and winter editions. The opening ceremony is set for March 8 at Inalpi Arena, where Vance will represent the U.S.

As a former attorney, Vance has largely stayed out of the public eye despite her husband, Vice President JD Vance, becoming a key figure in the Trump administration. According to CNN, she has begun assembling her own team and adjusting to life in Washington.

Vance attended Trump’s recent address to Congress, where she sat alongside former high school volleyball player Payton McNabb. As described by the Daily Mail, McNabb claims she suffered serious injuries after being hit by a volleyball from a transgender opponent. During his speech, Trump reinforced his stance against transgender athletes in women’s sports.

Born to Indian immigrant parents in San Diego, Usha Vance brings a unique perspective as the first woman of color to serve as Second Lady. As noted by CNN, she graduated from Yale Law School, where she met JD Vance. The couple married in 2014 and have three children.

While she has yet to announce key initiatives, CNN reports that she is carefully considering how to shape her role in the administration. Observers are watching how she navigates her position alongside First Lady Melania Trump.