San Diego, California – Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a keynote address and accepted the Statesmanship Award at the Claremont Institute’s dinner on July 5, 2025, in Rancho Santa Fe. The event, marking the launch of the Institute's Golden Age Agenda, saw Vance present a vision for American renewal, notably engaging with the definition of American citizenship. Pascal-Emmanuel Gobry, a right-wing intellectual, praised Vance's effort, stating in a tweet, "He only wanted to begin the work, inviting the rest of us to contribute to the project."
During his remarks, Vice President Vance challenged the traditional "creedal" understanding of American citizenship, suggesting that identity extends beyond mere agreement with the Declaration of Independence's principles. He emphasized a connection to a shared history and a "homeland," implying a more rooted and less abstract definition of what it means to be American. This perspective has been seen as a significant departure from established conservative thought.
The Claremont Institute, known as an intellectual center for conservative thought, honored Vance for his "courage, clarity, and enduring commitment to the principles of the American Founding." Ryan P. Williams, President of the Claremont Institute, lauded Vance's "statesmanship and bold leadership in an age of institutional decay and ideological confusion." The event was described by many attendees as featuring a "historic speech" from the Vice President.
Vance also used his platform to critique contemporary political figures, notably addressing New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. He questioned Mamdani's perceived ingratitude and disregard for American tradition, arguing that such views insult the nation's history and generosity. This direct criticism underscored Vance's broader message about national identity and cultural values.
The Vice President's speech is poised to influence ongoing discussions within conservative circles regarding national identity, immigration, and the future direction of American policy. His call to "reclaim the will to build" and reject cynicism resonated with the audience, signaling a potential shift in the discourse on American greatness and leadership.