A single social media post on January 6, 2026, has reinvigorated months of speculation surrounding the marriage of Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance. While intended to mark Usha's milestone 40th birthday, the post’s tone and timing led critics to label it the "absolute bare minimum," fueling a wave of "split" rumors across social media.<br /><br /><br />The "Bare Minimum" Birthday Post<br />The controversy began when the Vice President took to X (formerly Twitter) late in the evening on his wife’s birthday to share a brief message:<br /><br />"Happy Birthday to my darling Usha, who turns 40 today!"<br /><br />Accompanied by a sterile, professional photograph of the couple stepping off Air Force Two, the post was immediately dissected by online commentators:<br /><br />The "Press Release" Tone: Critics noted the message felt impersonal and "stiff," with some comparing it to a census entry rather than a tribute to a spouse of 12 years.<br /><br />Late Timing: The post was not shared until nearly 6:00 PM EST, leading to viral jokes that the Vice President had forgotten the milestone until the end of the work day.<br /><br />The Photo Choice: Unlike typical birthday tributes that feature candid family moments, the use of a formal campaign-style photo was seen as a strategic "PR move" rather than a genuine display of affection.<br /><br />Context: Why the "Split" Rumors Persist<br />The birthday post did not exist in a vacuum; it followed a series of public incidents in late 2025 that have kept divorce rumors in the headlines:<br /><br />The "Missing Ring" Saga: In November and December 2025, Usha Vance was photographed at several official events—including a visit to Camp Lejeune with Melania Trump—without her wedding ring. Her spokesperson dismissed the claims, stating she "sometimes forgets her ring" while managing three young children.<br /><br /><br />The Erika Kirk Hug: Speculation intensified in October 2025 after a video went viral showing an "intimate" hug between JD Vance and Erika Kirk, the widow of Charlie Kirk, at a Turning Point USA event.<br /><br />The "Smile and Wave" Joke: A resurfaced clip of Vance joking that Usha "has to smile and celebrate" whatever he says regardless of how "crazy" it is has been cited by critics as evidence of a strained dynamic.<br /><br />The Administration’s Unified Front<br />Despite the online chatter, the White House official account reshared the birthday post, attempting to amplify a narrative of stability. JD Vance has previously addressed the rumors in an interview with NBC News, claiming that he and Usha "get a kick out of" the gossip and that their marriage is "as strong as ever."
