From Air Force Two to the Taj Mahal: VP Vance Redefines International Travel.
Mumbai: JD Vance’s journey from a cheeky campaign trail quip about “his future plane” to actually traversing the globe on Air Force Two has been nothing short of meteoric. In the early months of the Trump administration, Vice President Vance has embarked on a series of international trips that blend high-stakes diplomacy with personal family moments, creating a unique and often scrutinized approach to global engagement.
Vance’s itinerary has been packed: a February trip to Europe, a hastily rearranged Greenland excursion in March, and an April tour of Italy and India, notably featuring a brief encounter with Pope Francis shortly before his passing. These trips have seen Vance championing Trump’s “America First” agenda at an AI event in Paris, delivering a controversial speech on democracy in Munich, and brokering a trade negotiation framework with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Accompanying Vance on these diplomatic missions are his wife, Usha, and their three young children, often seen in pajamas on nighttime Air Force Two flights. The family has been photographed against the backdrop of the Taj Mahal, gazing up at the Sistine Chapel, and visiting the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral. While official duties take precedence, cultural excursions are woven into the schedule, a deliberate strategy, according to former Bush administration official Brad Blakeman, to “balance policy with culture.”
However, this blend of work and family time has drawn scrutiny. The use of taxpayer funds for these trips, coupled with instances of exclusive access to cultural landmarks, has raised eyebrows. The closure of the Roman Colosseum for the Vance family, and similar arrangements at the Taj Mahal, have sparked public backlash and even a lawsuit.
Millennial VP, Millennial Approach?
As the first millennial Vice President, Vance’s approach to international travel reflects his generation’s blurring of work and personal life, according to generational expert Jean Twenge. This seamless integration of official duties and family time is a hallmark of millennial culture, she suggests.
Soft Power and Image Building: Vance’s Diplomatic Strategy.
Beyond the policy meetings and cultural visits, Vance’s trips serve a crucial soft power function. His appearances with his Indian-born wife and children in India, and his engagement with the Vatican, project an image of cultural sensitivity and connection. Political scientist Christopher Devine suggests these family-centric trips may also be an attempt to “soften” Vance’s image, countering his often controversial public persona.
A Legacy of Family Travel: Following in Presidential Footsteps.
The practice of bringing family on official trips is not new. From Joe Biden’s travels with his grandchildren to the Obama and Clinton children accompanying their parents, US leaders have long recognized the value of blending personal and professional experiences on the world stage. As Usha Vance articulated during their India trip, these journeys are seen as “gateways” to future experiences, both for the family and for US diplomacy.
