Vance Accuses CBS News of Harassing Mother-in-Law in Attempt to Attack Trump Over DEI Policies
Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized CBS News, alleging the network engaged in harassment of his mother-in-law to politically target former President Donald Trump and his administration’s stance on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. Vance’s accusations stem from a CBS News article that highlighted the professional background of Lakshmi Chilukuri, the provost of the University of California San Diego’s Sixth College and the mother of Vance’s wife, Usha Vance.
The CBS News article, authored by Graham Kates and Daniel Klaidman, was titled "She advanced DEI at her university. Her son-in-law, Vice President JD Vance, wants to end it nationwide." The piece focused on Chilukuri’s involvement in promoting DEI initiatives at UC San Diego, detailing her role in creating a pilot course on race, ethnicity, and gender in biology and medicine, her service on the university’s biological sciences diversity committee, and her public endorsements of the university’s commitment to diversity.
Vance responded to the article with sharp criticism, accusing CBS News of using his mother-in-law as a pawn in a larger political game aimed at undermining the Trump administration’s efforts to roll back DEI programs. He stated that the network’s decision to focus on Chilukuri was a deliberate attempt to attack President Trump, suggesting that her professional activities were being unfairly scrutinized due to her familial connection to a prominent member of the administration.
The Trump administration, including Vance, has made combating what they term "wokeness" a key priority. The administration has actively sought to scale back DEI programs across various sectors, including academia, government, and corporations. These efforts have been framed as a return to meritocratic principles, arguing that DEI initiatives often prioritize identity-based considerations over individual merit and qualifications.
When contacted by CBS News for comment, Vance expressed his personal opposition to DEI policies and voiced his pride in the administration’s actions to curtail them. However, he also emphasized his love and respect for his mother-in-law, stating that if she holds differing views on DEI, he would simply "get over it," as most Americans do when disagreeing with family members.
Vance specifically accused CBS News of harassment, asserting that the story existed solely because the network was willing to target his mother-in-law to attack President Trump. He further highlighted his positive view of Chilukuri, focusing on her kindness and her role as an incredible mother and loving grandmother to his children.
The CBS News article also acknowledged the Trump administration’s focus on dismantling DEI programs in higher education, noting the threats of investigations, lawsuits, and potential cancellation of federal funding. It emphasized Vance’s vocal opposition to DEI and the administration’s commitment to removing it from the federal bureaucracy through executive orders designed to promote meritocracy.
Interestingly, the CBS News report also revealed that Paramount, the parent company of CBS News, had itself scaled back DEI initiatives since Trump assumed office. In late February, Paramount ceased using hiring goals related to race, ethnicity, sex, or gender, among other policy changes.
The controversy surrounding the CBS News article underscores the highly politicized nature of the debate surrounding DEI. Proponents of DEI argue that such initiatives are necessary to address historical and systemic inequalities, promote inclusivity, and create more equitable opportunities for individuals from underrepresented groups. Critics, on the other hand, contend that DEI policies can lead to reverse discrimination, undermine meritocracy, and foster division rather than unity.
Vance’s accusations of harassment against CBS News also raise questions about journalistic ethics and the boundaries of political reporting. Critics argue that targeting family members of public figures can be unfair and inappropriate, particularly when the individuals involved are not directly involved in the political activities being scrutinized. Supporters of the CBS News article, however, might argue that Chilukuri’s professional activities and public statements on DEI are relevant to the public discourse, especially given her son-in-law’s prominent role in shaping government policy on the issue.
The clash between Vance and CBS News reflects the broader cultural and political divisions surrounding DEI in the United States. As the Trump administration continues to prioritize the rollback of DEI programs, the debate over the merits and drawbacks of such initiatives is likely to intensify, further polarizing public opinion and creating new flashpoints in the ongoing culture wars. The incident also serves as a reminder of the increasing scrutiny and politicization of media coverage, with individuals and organizations on both sides of the political spectrum quick to accuse news outlets of bias and unfair treatment.
