First Daughter and Second Lady: How a Digitally Altered Image of Usha Vance Posted by Ivanka Trump Went Viral
- A digitally altered photo similar to Deepika Padukone’s 2022 Cannes Film Festival look, added to the scrutiny and sensational coverage of the Vice President’s wife.
Ever since she took the stage last year at the Republican National Convention, Usha Vance has seen her profile rise significantly. From her political loyalties to her personal life, to her fashion choices, everything the first lady does has been scrutinized by experts, critics, and as well as people on social media.
The fact that Usha is not a typical political spouse has always set her apart. As The List puts it, her style “distinguishes” her from the other women central to Trump’s circle. “From her clothes to her shoes to her hair, the Yale-educated lawyer stands out from the rest,” the magazine says. She wears more neutral colors, wears her hair short and natural, wears neutral makeup, and doesn’t wear a lot of jewelry.
So when the photo of her in a white sari with an elaborate pearl collar surfaced online, netizens did a double take. Not only was it not the Second Lady’s style, it had a striking resemblance to the look actress Deepika Padukone had created as a jury member on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.
It turns out Usha’s image was digitally altered, but it went viral creating widespread confusion and debate online.
The image gained traction after Ivanka Trump shared the photo in a post on X and referred to the Second Lady as a “brilliant and accomplished attorney” known for her intelligence, grace, and support for her husband. However, what caught users’ attention wasn’t the caption but the uncanny similarity of Usha’s attire to Padukone’s famous red carpet look.
While the intention was to praise Usha Vance’s accomplishments, Padukone’s fans began pointing out that the photo was edited, and questioned why an edited image was used instead of a genuine one.
Padukone had made quite a statement with the white sari designed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla. The off-white drape featured intricate pearl detailing and a dramatic ruffled finish. The look was completed with a bold pearl collar, making it one of the most talked-about ensembles of the year.
