CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA Oct 18, 2025 – Vice President JD Vance addressed a gathering of U.S. Marines at Camp Pendleton today, delivering a powerful message of gratitude, resolve, and renewed focus on the timeless principles that define America’s premier fighting force.
Standing before rows of uniformed service members under a crisp Southern California sky, Vice President Vance emphasized the indispensable role of the Marine Corps in safeguarding the nation amid an ever-evolving global landscape. “While the world keeps changing—new weapons, new threats, and new ways in which we wage war—the nation will forever need the United States Marine Corps,” he declared in a video shared by the White House.
In his remarks, the Vice President highlighted the Trump Administration’s deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in uniform. “In the Trump Administration, we know that the work you do—protecting our country, putting your lives on the line to defend our way of life—is at the heart of Marine Corps service,” Vance stated, drawing resounding applause from the assembled troops.
Vance took a firm stand against distractions that he said undermine military effectiveness, including efforts to impose diversity quotas or infuse partisan politics into the ranks. “When officials try to shift focus to mandating diversity quotas or inject partisan politics into the American armed forces, they impede the Marine Corps’ ability to do its best work,” he said. He praised President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for their unwavering opposition to such policies, noting that operating at less than full potential on the battlefield endangers every service member.
Instead, the administration is committed to re-centering the military—including the Marine Corps—on “those timeless values of discipline, readiness, and faith in one another,” Vance affirmed. His words underscored a broader vision for a stronger, more unified armed forces prepared to meet any challenge.
The event at Camp Pendleton, home to the 1st Marine Division, comes as the Trump Administration continues to prioritize military modernization and troop welfare. Recent initiatives include increased funding for training exercises, enhanced veteran support programs, and a crackdown on bureaucratic overreach within the Department of Defense.
Marines in attendance expressed profound gratitude for the Vice President’s visit. “Semper Fi,” one service member remarked, echoing the Corps’ motto of “Always Faithful.” The address was met with chants of “Oorah!” and visible enthusiasm, signaling strong morale among the ranks.
The Vice President’s remarks are part of a series of engagements aimed at bolstering connections between civilian leadership and the men and women of the U.S. military. Earlier this week, President Trump hosted a similar event at Joint Base Andrews, where he outlined plans for the next phase of defense investments.
As the nation reflects on the enduring legacy of the Marine Corps—forged in battles from Belleau Wood to Iwo Jima—Vice President Vance’s message serves as a rallying cry: America’s security rests on the shoulders of its warriors, and the Trump Administration stands resolute in support.