Vice President JD Vance delivered a keynote address at the 2025 International Religious Freedom Summit, emphasizing the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting religious liberty both domestically and abroad. Speaking to a gathered audience in Washington, D.C., Vance underscored the foundational importance of religious freedom, particularly within the Christian tradition.
Religious Liberty as a Cornerstone of America
Vance reminded attendees that “America’s Founding Fathers listed ‘freedom of religion first among the liberties enshrined in our great Constitution.’” He elaborated on the deep connection between religious liberty and Christian teaching, stating that it “flows from concepts central to the Christian faith, in particular the free will of human beings and the essential dignity of all peoples.”
Drawing from Scripture, Vance referenced Christ’s teaching: “‘Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s.’” He noted that early Christians faced severe persecution and that “many Christians still suffer today at the hands of oppressive state power.”
Defending Religious Freedom at Home and Abroad
Asserting that “we remain the world’s largest majority-Christian country,” Vance declared that religious freedom is not only a legal right but a lived reality that must be upheld within and beyond America’s borders. He pointed to President Donald Trump’s early actions since returning to the White House, which reflect this commitment.
According to Vance, Trump has issued pardons for 23 pro-life activists prosecuted under the FACE Act, imposed “strict new limits on future FACE Act use,” and “ended the prosecution of a whistleblower who exposed child mutilation practices at a Texas hospital.” Additionally, the administration has moved to “ban government agencies from pressuring social media platforms to censor content” and has directed federal departments to uphold parental rights in education.
Stopping Foreign Aid from Funding Atheism and Radical Agendas
One of Vance’s most pointed criticisms was directed at the misuse of American taxpayer dollars abroad. “Think about this: How did America get to the point where we’re sending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars abroad to NGOs that are dedicated to spreading atheism all over the globe?” he asked.
His remarks reference the Trump administration’s recent 90-day freeze on foreign aid distributed through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This freeze, which includes exceptions for essential food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt, is designed to reassess how taxpayer money is being spent. According to Vance, past foreign aid has funded wasteful and ideological programs, including “diversity” initiatives, “transgender”-based art, LGBT activism, and birth control distribution. Pro-life groups have also identified millions funneled to pro-abortion organizations worldwide through USAID.
Moral Clarity in Foreign Policy
Vance stressed the importance of distinguishing between governments that protect religious freedom and those that suppress it. “Part of our protecting religious freedom initiatives means recognizing, in our foreign policy, the difference between regimes that respect religious freedom and those that do not,” he stated.
He specifically highlighted the plight of persecuted Christians in the Middle East: “We must be able to look at the catastrophes like the plight of Iraq’s Christians over the past three decades, and possess the moral clarity to act when something has gone wrong.”
A Renewed Commitment to Faith and Freedom
In closing, Vance reassured Americans that religious believers will not be forced to compromise their faith under the current administration. “You shouldn’t have to leave your faith at the door of your people’s government, and under President Trump’s leadership, you won’t have to,” he declared.
For Catholic Americans, Vance’s remarks reaffirm the importance of remaining vigilant in the defense of religious liberty. The administration’s actions indicate a shift toward policies that respect the role of faith in public life and ensure that America remains a stronghold of religious freedom for future generations.
