Second Lady Usha Vance responded on social media after a New York Times fashion column discussed the public image surrounding several pregnant women in the Trump administration, including comments about a maternity dress she wore while promoting her podcast, as reported by The New York Post.
Vance, who is expecting her fourth child with Vice President JD Vance, made history as the first spouse of a U.S. vice president to be pregnant while serving in the role since 1870.
The last vice-presidential spouse to do so was Ellen Colfax, the wife of Vice President Schuyler Colfax.
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The exchange followed publication of a New York Times article by fashion critic Vanessa Friedman titled, "The Politics and Power of the Pregnancy Image."
In the article, Friedman discussed the timing of pregnancy announcements by several prominent women associated with the Trump administration, including Vance, Katie Miller, the wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Friedman wrote, "That three such prominent women in the MAGA movement were pregnant at pretty much the same time was, indubitably, a coincidence. But for an administration that has such an intuitive and strategic understanding of the power of aesthetics that an unspoken dress code in which men outfit themselves in the image of the president has developed, it has also become a telling one."
She continued, "Together, the women have created a notably consistent, and somewhat paradigm-shifting, picture of the White House’s family and fertility platform."
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The article also referenced an Instagram Reel promoting a Father's Day episode of "Storytime with the Second Lady," noting that Vance was "wearing a stretchy coral dress that hugs her stomach."
The dress appeared in promotional material for a special Father's Day edition of the children's reading program, which featured Vice President JD Vance as a guest.
Vance responded on X by highlighting the cost of the dress and joking about the attention it received.
"Now that we know the political significance of my $8.75 coral maternity dress from Old Navy, can’t wait to hear what the New York Times has to say about my elastic-waistband pants and compression socks!"
She continued, "In the meantime, enjoy my pregnancy fashion (or lack thereof) and a good story with your kids on Storytime with the Second Lady."
Along with the post, Vance shared what she referred to as the "receipt"—a screenshot from Old Navy's website showing the maternity dress priced at $8.75.
Now that we know the political significance of my $8.75 coral maternity dress from Old Navy, can’t wait to hear what the New York Times has to say about my elastic-waistband pants and compression socks! In the meantime, enjoy my pregnancy fashion (or lack thereof) and a good…
— Second Lady Usha Vance (@SLOTUS) June 24, 2026
The post drew numerous responses from supporters.
One commenter wrote, "Brilliant response! Thank you, Second Lady Vance. You are truly a wonderful role model;-) Praying for a healthy pregnancy and delivery."
Another replied, "You make $8.75 look like a million bucks! Be a you tiful!"
Vance's post also included a link to the full episode of "Storytime with the Second Lady," a YouTube series in which she reads children's books alongside guest readers.
The first episode featured "The Tale of Peter Rabbit" by Beatrix Potter.
According to the YouTube channel description, the program is "Designed to inspire a lifelong love of reading, each episode brings together the second lady and a special guest to share cherished children’s stories in an engaging and accessible format for families."
The exchange between Vance and the New York Times generated discussion online about public figures, fashion, and media coverage of political families as the Second Lady continues promoting the children's literacy initiative during her pregnancy.
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