Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a unifying message at the U.S. Naval Academy’s graduation ceremony on Friday, emphasizing that President Donald Trump’s administration is “rooting for” and is “proud” of every single graduate, irrespective of political differences.
Vance, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, addressed the Naval Academy Class of 2025, highlighting the profound responsibilities they will soon shoulder in service to the nation. He expressed deep personal pride in honoring the new officers.
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“Now I want to say to all of you, I’ve been vice president for all of about 120 days and this summer I will celebrate my 41st birthday,” Vance stated. “But I have never in those 41 years been so proud as I am today to honor you, to celebrate you and to congratulate you on a job well done.”
Acknowledging the diverse perspectives likely present among the graduates, Vance underscored a shared national sentiment. “Now I’m sure some of you share my politics and some of you don’t. But I know today, I speak for a grateful nation when I say we are rooting for you, Naval Academy Class of 2025, we are proud of you and we depend on you. Congratulations, God speed, and do great work.”
The Vice President invoked the legacy of John Paul Jones, often called the “Father of the Navy,” suggesting that his enduring spirit is now being passed to the incoming generation of naval officers.
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“Their example lives on in all of you. And their courage, we see the of your calling to be strong, but not reckless, to seek peace, but not at the expense of liberty,” Vance remarked. “To hold firm to your convictions even when the cost is high.”
Beyond the graduation ceremony, Vance also touched upon recent foreign policy developments, noting that President Trump’s visit to the Middle East the previous week established a “generational shift in [foreign] policy” aimed at ensuring global peace. Following the trip, President Trump announced a temporary waiver on some Syria sanctions and expressed optimism regarding a potential nuclear deal with Iran, moves that garnered some bipartisan acknowledgment as a foreign policy success.
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