Phoenix, Arizona. Vice President JD Vance drew sharp criticism after declaring that Americans “no longer have to apologize for being white,” a remark delivered to a cheering crowd at AmericaFest 2025, hosted by the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA. Speaking alongside praise for President Donald Trump’s dismantling of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, Vance framed the rollback of DEI policies as a defining achievement of the administration’s first year.
Vance said DEI initiatives had been consigned to the “trash can of history,” arguing that Republicans treat all Americans equally while Democrats divide the country along racial lines. He claimed the administration’s approach requires only that citizens be “great American patriots,” language that critics say echoes long-standing grievances associated with white identity politics rather than equal protection under the law.
The vice president’s comments come as the Trump administration has aggressively moved to eliminate DEI programs across federal agencies, reversing policies expanded under former President Joe Biden to address systemic discrimination and racial inequities. Civil rights advocates argue the rhetoric risks normalizing exclusionary language and undermining efforts to confront documented disparities in education, employment, and criminal justice.
During the speech, Vance also honored Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who was killed earlier this year, urging young conservatives to continue organizing ahead of the midterm elections. While Vance has not formally announced plans for a 2028 presidential run, his appearance reinforced speculation that he is positioning himself as Trump’s ideological successor.
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