ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Vice President JD Vance addressed military academy graduates on May 23, 2025, at the U.S. Naval Academy, emphasizing President Donald Trump's strategy of deploying U.S. armed forces with well-defined objectives rather than engaging in "undefined missions" and "open-ended conflicts," a practice he argued characterized previous military engagements.
During his commencement speech to the 1,049 graduates of the class of 2025, most of whom were newly commissioned ensigns and second lieutenants, Vance articulated that Trump's approach ensures military actions are undertaken with "discipline." He underscored that if forces are sent to war, it should be done with a "very specific set of goals in mind." This shift, he suggested, aligns more with quick, decisive military actions, referencing a recent bombing ordered by Trump against Houthi rebels in Yemen, which was subsequently paused.
Vance indicated that effective military power should be utilized strategically, stating, "Decisively with a clear objective," which highlights a change in U.S. military engagement philosophy under the Trump administration. He expressed a critique of the previous Iraq War mission, reflecting on the challenges of nation-building in the Middle East. "How hard could it be to build a few democracies in the Middle East? Well, almost impossibly hard, it turns out. And unbelievably costly," he remarked, reinforcing Trump's shift away from lengthy and ambiguous military operations.
In addition to critiquing past military strategies, Vance also condemned a Biden administration initiative involving the construction of a pier in Gaza to facilitate aid during Israel's conflict with Hamas, suggesting that it had been ineffective. He emphasized that Trump's administration represents a decisive reversal of previous military policies, positing, "No more undefined missions. No more open-ended conflicts." Vance urged caution in the decision to engage militarily but insisted that when action is taken, it must be "hard" and "decisively."
Vance honored the sacrifices of military personnel by reflecting on Memorial Day, stating that the day is "not a happy day" for those who served but is a tribute to those who did not return. He specifically remembered Major Megan McClung, a graduate of the Naval Academy who was killed in Iraq. Vance's personal connection to her story reinforced the importance of service and sacrifice in the military community, as she became the first female Marine officer to be killed in the U.S.-led Iraq War.
Vance's military background includes four years of service in the Marine Corps, comprising a tour in Iraq where he worked as a military journalist. His recent appointment as Vice President marks a historical moment, as he is the first veteran to serve on a major party presidential ticket since John McCain in 2008. The event at the Naval Academy is a traditional opportunity for both the president and vice president to address military graduates, with Trump scheduled to speak at West Point's commencement following Vance's address.
Among the graduates was Lillian Huong, a 22-year-old from Sacramento, California, who expressed her admiration for Vance's military service and looked forward to receiving leadership advice from him. Another graduate, Sierra Paoli, 25, from Los Angeles, highlighted the significance of the day, stating that it was a fulfillment of a childhood dream for both her and her late father. The day is a major milestone in the lives of these new officers, who are stepping into their roles as leaders in the military.
