“Wherever there’s a moon landing, there will be a Malayali tea stall,” goes the saying, hinting at the ubiquity of Indians across the globe. Similarly, in any major election, you’re bound to find an Indian connection. As Donald Trump prepares to assume office as the 47th President of the United States, this connection emerges from Andhra Pradesh through JD Vance’s wife, Usha Chilukuri, whose roots trace back to this Indian state.
Following the Republican victory, villagers in West Godavari celebrated with fireworks and sweets, marking Trump and Vance’s win. Proudly, locals from Vadalur stated, “A Telugu girl has now entered the White House.”
Usha’s family has a prestigious background, with members holding notable positions at esteemed institutions like Andhra University and IIT Madras. Her parents migrated to San Diego in 1980, where both Usha and her sister Shreya were born. Dr. Sharada Jandhyala, Usha’s paternal aunt residing in Chennai, expressed immense pride and joy at Usha’s accomplishments.
The presence of Indian heritage in American politics has only grown stronger, with six Indian-origin representatives elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Among the reelected are Ami Bera, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Shri Thanedar, and Pramila Jayapal. Joining them as a new member is Indo-American attorney Suhas Subramanyam. Affectionately referred to as the “Samosa Caucus,” these representatives symbolize the deepening Indo-American ties within the U.S. political landscape.
