Vance speaks to media amidst DEI scrutiny, says ‘I love my mother-in-law’
US Vice President J.D. Vance has come to the defense of a family member in light of reports regarding her backing of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
US Vice President J.D. Vance has come to the defense of his mother-in-law amidst media scrutiny regarding her alleged support for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which contrasts with the current administration’s stance on the topic.
Vance's remarks followed a CBS News report that highlighted Lakshmi Chilukuri, who is both the mother of second lady Usha Vance and the provost of the University of California San Diego’s Sixth College.
The investigative report noted that while Vance has been outspoken against DEI initiatives, Chilukuri has expressed public support for her institution’s diversity efforts.
CBS referenced a letter Chilukuri wrote to incoming students on the college’s website, where she emphasized “steadfast adherence to principles that drive equity, inclusion, and an embrace of diversity.” This letter is still accessible online.
The segment indicated that a broader initiative by US President Donald Trump and Vance to combat what they describe as "wokeness" has resulted in the rollback of DEI programs within the federal government.
In his statement to CBS, Vance acknowledged his opposition to DEI, expressing pride in his administration's actions regarding the issue.
“But I love my mother-in-law,” Vance stated. “If she doesn’t share my views on DEI, I suppose I’ll have to do what 99% of Americans do when confronted with a family member who doesn’t always agree with them: get over it.”
Vance praised Chilukuri’s “kindness,” referring to her as an “incredible mother and loving grandmother to the most important people in my life.”
He criticized CBS for what he described as an unfair targeting of his mother-in-law, asserting that the report seemed to be an attempt by the network to “harass” her as part of a broader agenda to attack President Trump.
The opposition to “woke policies,” which includes the criticism of gender reassignment treatments for minors, was a notable element of Trump’s campaign. Upon taking office, he enacted several executive orders that rolled back DEI initiatives within federal agencies and among government contractors, arguing that these programs promote discrimination.
Vance has consistently voiced his opposition to DEI, previously labeling professors as “the enemy” in a speech from 2021 and urging Americans to “aggressively attack” universities for their commitment to these initiatives.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
Vance's remarks followed a CBS News report that highlighted Lakshmi Chilukuri, who is both the mother of second lady Usha Vance and the provost of the University of California San Diego’s Sixth College.
The investigative report noted that while Vance has been outspoken against DEI initiatives, Chilukuri has expressed public support for her institution’s diversity efforts.
CBS referenced a letter Chilukuri wrote to incoming students on the college’s website, where she emphasized “steadfast adherence to principles that drive equity, inclusion, and an embrace of diversity.” This letter is still accessible online.
The segment indicated that a broader initiative by US President Donald Trump and Vance to combat what they describe as "wokeness" has resulted in the rollback of DEI programs within the federal government.
In his statement to CBS, Vance acknowledged his opposition to DEI, expressing pride in his administration's actions regarding the issue.
“But I love my mother-in-law,” Vance stated. “If she doesn’t share my views on DEI, I suppose I’ll have to do what 99% of Americans do when confronted with a family member who doesn’t always agree with them: get over it.”
Vance praised Chilukuri’s “kindness,” referring to her as an “incredible mother and loving grandmother to the most important people in my life.”
He criticized CBS for what he described as an unfair targeting of his mother-in-law, asserting that the report seemed to be an attempt by the network to “harass” her as part of a broader agenda to attack President Trump.
The opposition to “woke policies,” which includes the criticism of gender reassignment treatments for minors, was a notable element of Trump’s campaign. Upon taking office, he enacted several executive orders that rolled back DEI initiatives within federal agencies and among government contractors, arguing that these programs promote discrimination.
Vance has consistently voiced his opposition to DEI, previously labeling professors as “the enemy” in a speech from 2021 and urging Americans to “aggressively attack” universities for their commitment to these initiatives.
Anna Muller contributed to this report for TROIB News
