“I would get into trouble if…”—At Trump’s Birthday Parade, JD Vance Slips in Surprising Anniversary Message for Usha
When people celebrate their wedding anniversary, it’s usually a chance to slow down, focus on each other, and enjoy something special—whether it’s a romantic dinner, a quiet getaway, or just spending time alone without distractions. For most couples, it’s a day that’s just about the two of them. But for Usha Vance, things looked very different. Instead of a private celebration or even a simple night out, she found herself standing in the middle of a military parade in Washington, D.C., all because her husband, Vice President JD Vance, thought it was the perfect way to spend their big day.
June 14 was supposed to be a meaningful day for both of them—a moment to reflect on their years of marriage and everything they’ve built together. Most people might plan for flowers, a nice dinner, or even a little quiet time away from the kids. But JD Vance, holding one of the most powerful positions in the country, chose to spend the day front and center at a high-profile political event that also doubled as Donald Trump’s birthday celebration. Instead of making space for romance, he decided that military fanfare and political speeches would be enough.
So while other husbands were posting sweet anniversary messages or giving their wives thoughtful gifts, JD gave Usha something very different: tanks rolling by, soldiers marching in formation, and loud patriotic music filling the air. The atmosphere had nothing to do with love or intimacy—it was all national pride and public pageantry. And right in the middle of it all stood Usha, dressed up and present, even though this was far from what most would call a romantic anniversary date.
Then came JD’s speech. From the stage, he gave a formal nod to the Army’s 250th birthday, emphasizing that his administration would support the troops, send them into battle only when truly needed, and make sure they had all the weapons and equipment required. All standard political talk for such an occasion. But then he added something that, on the surface, sounded personal. He said he would “get into trouble” if he didn’t mention that it was also his wedding anniversary. He looked out and said, “To my lovely wife, I love ya, honey. Happy anniversary, and thank you for everything you do for our country.”
That’s when many people across America winced. Because that sentence, which was supposed to be heartfelt, felt more like a workplace acknowledgment than a romantic gesture. He didn’t call her by name. He didn’t speak about their life together, their children, their memories, or how much she meant to him personally. Instead, he thanked her as if she were part of a government team. “Thank you for everything you do for our country”—it’s the kind of line that might work in a cabinet meeting, but not for the woman who’s stood by your side through personal struggles, political campaigns, motherhood, and everything in between.
What made it even more awkward was the order in which he said things. He gave a birthday shout-out to Donald Trump before he mentioned his own anniversary. For many people watching, it felt like his priorities were exposed on live TV. The man who couldn’t manage a Mother’s Day tribute just a month ago now seemed to be treating his wedding anniversary like a bullet point on a public speech, something to quickly mention before moving on to the next agenda item.
And it’s not the first time JD has made headlines for how he talks about his wife in public. Not long ago, he posted online about a moment at the Kennedy Center when he asked Usha if Les Misérables was the story about a barber who kills people—confusing it with Sweeney Todd. He said Usha burst out laughing at his mistake. But honestly, many people found it hard to believe. Usha is a highly intelligent woman with a degree from Stanford Law School. She’s smart, well-read, and definitely knows the difference between a French revolutionary tale and a dark musical about cannibalism. So either the story was exaggerated for effect, or JD just keeps walking into situations where his public comments about his wife fall flat or come off as tone-deaf.
The problem isn’t that JD Vance doesn’t care. It’s that he keeps treating personal, meaningful moments as if they’re part of his political duties. Marriage isn’t a press release. It’s not a campaign stop. It’s about connection, appreciation, and understanding—things that don’t shine through when your idea of romance is squeezing a rushed “I love you, honey” into a speech surrounded by tanks and soldiers.
For many watching, it was a reminder that public figures, especially those with powerful roles, often struggle to balance the personal with the political. But JD seems to blur the line too much. If he really wanted to honor his wife, maybe he should’ve skipped the speech altogether and planned something that put her first, even if just for a day.
So next year, instead of bringing Usha to a loud, televised political event, maybe JD could plan something simple and sincere. Maybe he could let her talk, share her own thoughts, or just enjoy a quiet evening away from the cameras. Because after years of being by his side and holding things together behind the scenes, she’s earned more than a public thank-you. She’s earned real appreciation.
