CBS News Slammed by JD Vance for Article Targeting His Family

JD Vance strongly criticized CBS News for what he views as a targeted and unfair assault on his family.

Top Takeaways

JD Vance accused CBS News of targeting his family for political reasons.
CBS News highlighted Lakshmi Chilukuri’s DEI advocacy, contrasting it with Trump’s administration policies.
Vance emphasized respect for his mother-in-law despite differing views on DEI.
The criticism aligns with the Trump administration’s actions against DEI initiatives.

Vance’s Response to CBS Coverage

JD Vance condemned CBS News for allegedly targeting his mother-in-law, Lakshmi Chilukuri, in their coverage due to her involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. CBS published a story that brought attention to Chilukuri’s role in promoting DEI at the University of California San Diego, positioning it against Vance’s and President Trump’s attempts to dismantle such initiatives.

Vance, despite opposing DEI initiatives, has publicly declared his continued respect and love for his mother-in-law. He noted that differing views should not overshadow familial bonds, referencing the broader societal practice of accepting family members’ contrasting opinions.

JD Vance scolds CBS for ‘harassing’ his mother-in-law over DEI differences ‘in order to attack’ Trump https://t.co/dqF5E0rs7O pic.twitter.com/ynIqXJEoRO

— New York Post (@nypost) March 13, 2025

The Trump Administration’s Role

The criticism from Vance comes in the context of the Trump administration’s rigorous stance against DEI programs, which it perceives as undermining merit-based systems. Executive orders and other actions have been instrumental in reducing DEI practices in both educational and corporate settings. CBS News noted that Paramount, its parent company, also ceased certain DEI initiatives, aligning with this broader objective.

JD Vance criticized CBS for using his family connections as a tool to discredit Trump, describing the media strategy as unethical. His statements reflect ongoing tensions between conservative figures and major media outlets over DEI discourse.

Future Implications

With DEI remaining a contentious issue, Vance’s public defense of his family signals a contentious road ahead in political and media interactions. In this media landscape, personal associations are becoming increasingly intertwined with public policy debates.

President Trump has also pursued legal actions, filing a significant lawsuit against CBS, citing election interference via alleged biased reporting. The ongoing litigation underlines the stakes involved in how media narratives influence public perception and policy.