Vice President JD Vance Addresses US Naval Academy Graduates
Vice President JD Vance spoke to graduates of the US Naval Academy on Friday, highlighting what he called “a new and extremely dangerous time for our country.” He pointed out that nations like China and Russia are “determined to beat us in all spheres.”
In his address at Annapolis, Vance noted a shift in US foreign policy since the Trump administration, indicating that there is now “no more undefined mission” and “no more open-ended conflict.” He emphasized a focus on realism and strategies aimed at protecting core national interests. “This doesn’t mean we ignore the threat,” he explained, “but rather that we approach them with discipline. When we send you to war, it will be with a very specific goal in mind.”
He reflected on the post-Cold War era, stating that America enjoyed a sense of dominance over airspace, seas, space, and cyberspace. “But that era is over,” he remarked, noting that adversaries like China, Russia, and others have decided to compete aggressively against the US in every domain.
Vance acknowledged the need to view the current landscape as a military and strategic challenge. “You will be the men and women of our army,” he said, expressing pride in their accomplishment while underscoring the importance of their mission in these turbulent times.
He critiqued past US administrations for what he described as a lengthy experiment in foreign policy that prioritized state-building and intervention in other nations over maintaining defense and alliances. “After the Soviet Union collapsed, we became a superpower that didn’t believe foreign nations could rise to challenge us,” he noted.
He further commented on the shift from soft power to hard power, lamenting that the US has stopped manufacturing important goods—from cars to military ships—after believing that economic integration would naturally build peace. This belief, he suggested, was misguided. “We thought the world would converge toward some universal ideals, and that those who wouldn’t conform could be compelled to do so,” he said.
Vance argued that instead of focusing on rising global challenges like China, US leaders pursued easier achievements, such as democratization efforts in the Middle East. “We need to not only be smart, but we also have to be unified,” he stated, insisting that future military engagements must be undertaken with the right resources and goals in mind.
Specifically, he mentioned that the Trump administration plans to prioritize innovation, support risk-taking within the Department of Defense, and simplify how the US acquires arms for modern challenges. He stressed that the country can no longer take its engagement with the world for granted, as costs and stakes have evolved significantly.
