According to Fox News, Vice President JD Vance criticizes CBS News for involving his mother-in-law in a negative light over diversity efforts, highlighting tensions within the Trump administration.
JD Vance, the Vice President, expressed his disapproval of CBS News for what he deemed as undue attention on his mother-in-law, Lakshmi Chilukuri.
This occurred amid an ongoing debate about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which the current administration seeks to curtail.
Chilukuri, who serves as the provost at the University of California San Diego, has been a strong advocate for DEI. She developed a course focused on race, ethnicity, and gender in biology and medicine, actively participated in a diversity committee, and openly supported the university's DEI commitments.
In contrast to Chilukuri’s efforts, her son-in-law and the administration he is part of are pushing for a substantial reduction in DEI initiatives. This move aligns with President Donald Trump's broader strategy to dismantle what he describes as 'wokeness' in various sectors, including academia, government, and corporate settings.
This week, CBS News highlighted these discrepancies, noting Chilukuri's involvement in DEI efforts and the administration's opposing stance.
Vance retaliated against the media portrayal, criticizing CBS News for using personal affiliations to cast a shadow over the Trump administration. "This story exists because CBS has decided that harassing my mother-in-law is a reasonable price in order to attack President Trump," Vance stated, emphasizing a personal disappointment with the journalistic approach taken.
According to CBS reporters Graham Kates and Daniel Klaidman, the story was part of a broader analysis of how institutions and companies, including CBS’s own parent company Paramount, have rolled back on DEI commitments.
These changes happened as Trump’s administration intensified its criticism and legal threats concerning DEI practices, CBS reported.
Adding to the escalating tensions, President Trump recently initiated a lawsuit against CBS, seeking $20 billion in damages. The suit claims that CBS participated in election interference through their coverage, particularly a contentious '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris.
In his commentary to CBS, Vance articulated both a professional and personal stance. While opposing DEI philosophically and policy-wise, he professed continued affection for his mother-in-law, stating, "But I love my mother-in-law. If she doesn't share my views on DEI, I suppose I'll have to do what 99 percent of Americans do when confronted with a family member who doesn't always agree with them: get over it."
Vance's reflections went further, highlighting Chilukuri’s character and her role within their family. He spoke of her kindness and her important role as a mother and grandmother, bringing a personal dimension to the highly politicized issue.
Usha and JD Vance have been married since 2014 and share three children, making Chilukuri not just a political figure by association but a central figure in their family life.
This multifaceted story not only outlines the ongoing political battles over DEI but also illustrates how these larger narratives intersect with, and impact, personal and family dynamics. As the country continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, the story of the Vance family serves as a microcosm of the broader national debate.