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United States Vice President JD Vance has criticised Americans who focus on the country’s shortcomings, urging citizens to embrace what he described as the nation’s greatness.
Speaking aboard the USS Kearsarge during celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, Vance said some critics were overly focused on the country’s shortcomings rather than its achievements.
According to the vice president, such critics dwell on the country’s past mistakes with anger while overlooking the forgiveness and grace central to the Christian faith. He argued that they fundamentally misunderstand the essence of America.
Vance also encouraged Americans to reject what he described as simplistic views of both their fellow citizens and the nation itself.
His remarks came as dozens of ships from more than 20 countries sailed into New York Harbor to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
The vice president’s comments reinforced those made a day earlier by Donald Trump, who accused “radicals and extremists” of threatening America’s identity and warned of what he described as a resurgence of communist influence in the country.
The anniversary celebrations featured military aircraft flyovers, including performances by the Blue Angels, which left red, white and blue trails over New York Harbor.
However, a severe heatwave across the eastern United States overshadowed parts of the festivities, with New York City recording a heat index of about 41 degrees Celsius (105 degrees Fahrenheit) on Saturday afternoon.
