VP Vance Criticizes CBS Over Mother-in-Law's DEI Involvement

Vice President JD Vance accused CBS News of harassing his mother-in-law in a report critical of the administration’s stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

In a recent statement, Vice President JD Vance expressed his disapproval of CBS News for what he described as an attack on his family. The controversy stems from a CBS News article that highlighted the involvement of Vance’s mother-in-law, Lakshmi Chilukuri, in promoting DEI initiatives at the University of California San Diego. The piece, titled “She advanced DEI at her university. Her son-in-law, Vice President JD Vance, wants to end it nationwide,” drew Vance’s ire for focusing on his family to critique the administration’s policies.

Vance, a vocal critic of DEI programs, emphasized his personal stance against such initiatives but also made it clear that he respects his mother-in-law’s differing views. “I don’t like DEI, and I’m proud of what our administration has done on that front,” Vance stated to CBS News. “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,” he added.

The CBS report detailed Chilukuri’s role in creating educational programs focused on race, ethnicity, and gender, as well as her contributions to diversity committees. It also noted the Trump administration’s aggressive moves to dismantle DEI programs across various sectors, including academia and government, aligning with Vance’s public position.

Vance’s comments underscore a broader tension between his administration’s policies and the initiatives his family members have supported. This situation illustrates the challenges public figures face when their personal and professional lives intersect with contentious political issues.