US Vice President JD Vance speaks at the International Naval Review aboard the USS Kearsarge in New York Harbor during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States on July 4, 2026. (Photo by Madison SWART / POOL / AFP)
US Vice President JD Vance on Saturday slammed those who criticize America’s “imperfections” in a lengthy July Fourth address from the deck of an amphibious assault ship in New York.
Vance’s speech came as dozens of tall ships from more than 20 countries sailed into New York harbor to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
“You will hear a couple small but loud voices today speak obsessively not of our national greatness, but of our national imperfections,” Vance said from the USS Kearsarge.
“They’ll talk about America’s sins with the anger and zeal of a brimstone preacher, but without any of the grace or forgiveness that must be present in the Christian faith,” Vance said, adding that these critics “misunderstand the essence of America.”
