Usha Vance, wife of Vice President J.D. Vance, has relaunched her Summer Reading Challenge to combat declining literacy rates among children, but the initiative has sparked sharp criticism targeting not only her but also former First Lady Melania Trump and political figures.

Firstpost reported that the second lady, who rarely appears in public and is currently expecting her fourth child, announced the reading challenge's second year in an interview with ABC News' Linsey Davis. The program invites children from kindergarten through eighth grade to read 12 books over the summer, log their progress, and submit the list for a chance to visit the White House.

"It is troubling to me that our literacy proficiency rates are so much lower now than they were even when I was a child," Usha Vance said. "I wanted to do something to help with that."

Read more: JD Vance Responds to Online Buzz After Wife Usha Seen Without Wedding Ring

Vice President Vance publicly supported the initiative on Twitter, calling it a hit last year and encouraging families to participate again. However, his endorsement prompted a wave of online backlash.

Critics questioned whether Melania Trump could even participate, mocking her English skills and accent. Others disparaged Usha Vance herself, accusing her of aspiring to be like Michelle Obama but falling short.

Despite the criticism, Usha Vance emphasized shielding her children from political disputes and media negativity. "My children are not really on screens... They hear about things happening in the world, but they don't hear about them through television news," she said, per Atlanta Black Star.

Addressing encounters with protesters and detractors, Usha remarked, "Maybe we encounter protesters on the street... and we talk about it in terms of behavior. What would you do?" She indicated that beyond such incidents, engagement with critics remains minimal.

On questions about her husband's political future, Usha avoided direct answers but said, "I think JD would make a great anything he'd like to be."

The reading challenge highlights Usha Vance's effort to lead by example amid a politically charged environment where personal attacks have intensified. The initiative continues accepting submissions through the summer.

Read More: JD Vance's Image Makeover Fails: Social Media Mocks Wife Usha's 'Rebrand' Attempt

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