On January 20, 2025, attention was squarely focused on Donald Trump’s inauguration as he took the oath for his second term as President of the United States. Yet, amid the ceremony’s grandeur and political importance, an unexpected highlight emerged: J.D. Vance’s two-year-old daughter, Mirabel. With her innocent demeanor and charming presence, Mirabel became the touching moment that captured the public’s affection.
As the newly inaugurated Vice President, J.D. Vance was accompanied by his wife, Usha, and their three children—Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel—during the proceedings. The family presented a picture of unity and warmth, exuding pride as they supported their father on this momentous day. Dressed in a sharp dark blue suit, J.D. took the oath of office with his hand resting on the Bible held by Usha, who lovingly held little Mirabel. Their sons, Ewan, aged 7, and Vivek, aged 4, donned matching blue suits and ties, enhancing the scene’s overall elegance.
In the midst of the event’s formalities, it was Mirabel’s small yet endearing moment that truly enchanted the audience. Nestled in her mother’s arms, she was observed sucking her thumb, her tiny fingers adorned with playful bandages. This tender portrayal of childhood innocence amidst the ceremony’s splendor became the focal point of attention. The sight of her bandaged fingers, a typical quirk of toddlers, evoked a sense of nostalgia for the simple joys and relatable challenges of parenting young children. Social media was abuzz with admiration, with one user commenting, “I believe the entire nation can unite in agreement that JD Vance’s daughter sucking her thumb with those kid bandages is utterly adorable.” Another humorously noted, “JD Vance’s daughter covering herself with band-aids just before a significant event is a quintessential toddler move.”
The Vance family continued to resonate with the audience’s emotions. A separate photograph depicted J.D. crouching down to engage with his two sons, one of whom held a stuffed bear while leaning against a railing. The image further exemplified the warmth and familial bonds present during this historic occasion.
Usha Vance, the newly appointed Second Lady, has attracted considerable attention for her elegance and composure. Adorned in a bespoke cashmere coat and a tea-length dress in a delicate shade of pink by Oscar de la Renta, Usha radiated sophistication. Her ensemble received widespread acclaim for its harmonious blend of refinement and subtle charm. Nevertheless, it was her personal narrative and familial role that truly resonated with the audience. As the daughter of Indian immigrants in San Diego, Usha’s position as the first Indian American Second Lady represents a significant achievement. Her steadfast support for her husband and their children was clearly evident throughout the day.
The journey of J.D. and Usha commenced in 2010 when they crossed paths in law school. They married in 2014 and have since cultivated a life grounded in love and family principles. The couple is blessed with three children: Ewan, born in 2017; Vivek, born in 2020; and Mirabel, who arrived in December 2021. J.D. has occasionally provided insights into their family life, including a heartfelt Instagram announcement regarding Mirabel’s birth. He expressed, “We were blessed with an early Christmas present this year. Everyone please meet Mirabel Rose Vance, our first girl. Mama and baby both doing great, and we’re feeling very grateful this Christmas season.”
While the Vance children do not often appear in public, they have made notable appearances on occasion. In February 2024, J.D. commemorated his son Vivek’s fourth birthday in a particularly poignant manner. Unable to attend the birthday dinner, he chose to read Dr. Seuss’s Oh, the Places You’ll Go! on the Senate floor, dedicating the moment to his son. “I’m sorry that I can’t be with you for your birthday dinner,” he stated during the reading. “But I want you to know that Daddy loves you very much. And I’m going to read this into the record because maybe you can watch it at home.”
For many observers of the inauguration, the simplicity of Mirabel’s bandaged fingers and her carefree spirit provided a striking contrast to the gravity of the political proceedings. As one viewer aptly remarked, “J.D. Vance has the CUTEST.”
