Washington — Vice President JD Vance praised Second Lady Usha Vance for balancing her public responsibilities and family life as her summer reading challenge reached its Sept. 4 deadline.
Speaking at a White House press briefing, Vance reminded children and parents participating in the program to submit their completed reading logs.
“For all the kids at home and their parents, importantly, today is — or I believe tomorrow is the last day of the Second Lady’s summer reading challenge,” Vance said.
He directed families to the White House website and urged them to complete their submissions before the deadline.
“We’ve had an amazing outpouring of support, but you’ve got to return your summer reading challenge stuff in by tomorrow,” he said.
The program is open to students in kindergarten through eighth grade who read at least 12 books over the summer. The White House said tens of thousands of students from all 50 states and four U.S. territories had participated.
Vance also offered a personal tribute to his wife, noting the demands of caring for the couple’s six-week-old baby while continuing her public work.
“We now have a six-week-old baby who is happy and healthy,” Vance said. “So honey, I love you. I’m very proud of you.”
Addressing his wife directly, he added, “And amazingly, you keep — you keep everything together despite the chaos and despite the craziness.”
Vance later mentioned his wife again while responding to a question about his recent weight loss, saying his efforts began with a conversation between the couple before Lent.
“I was talking to my wife on Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, and I was like, I think I’m going to give up sugar, and I think I’m going to give up social media,” he said.
Vance said he later sought health advice from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recommended a diet emphasizing protein and foods including sauerkraut.
“My advice to you is that if you want to lose weight, call Bobby Kennedy,” Vance joked. “And if you want to enjoy what you eat, do not call Bobby Kennedy.”
The remarks provided a lighter moment during a briefing that also covered Iran, energy prices, artificial intelligence and the midterm elections.
Usha Vance, the daughter of Indian immigrants, became the first Indian American Second Lady of the United States when her husband took office as vice president in January 2025. Her summer reading challenge is part of her initiative promoting childhood literacy. (Source: IANS)