Vice President J.D. Vance delivered critical remarks about past U.S. policies on religious liberty at the International Religious Freedom 2025 Summit.

According to the Christian Post, He promised U.S. international engagements under President Trump would focus solely on promoting authentic religious freedom around the world.

Vance addressed a diverse crowd, with attendees from over 40 countries gathering in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The summit, aimed at enhancing global religious freedoms, served as a platform for Vance to outline the administration’s new approach towards international religious diplomacy.

The Vice President criticized past actions by previous administrations that he claimed distorted America’s mission of fostering religious freedom. Notably, Vance condemned the allocation of funds to promote atheism abroad, a practice he vowed would cease under the current administration.

Condemning Previous Expenditures on Atheism

Vance explicitly criticized the morality and logic of sending U.S. taxpayer dollars to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that promote atheist agendas. He argued that this spending represented a misstep away from true religious freedom.

He assured the audience that the Trump administration would not allocate funds to promote atheism internationally. This statement highlighted a significant shift toward what Vance described as more genuine advocacy for religious freedom.

Focusing on the current administration's actions, Vance shared that officials have already implemented measures reflecting their commitment to religious freedom. He cited the closure of the USAID office and the placement of its personnel on administrative leave as examples of efforts to realign U.S. international engagements with traditional religious values.

New Leadership and Prioritized Policies

The appointment of Marco Rubio as Secretary of State was highlighted by Vance as a testament to the administration's dedication to religious liberty. Rubio, known for championing religious freedom, aligns with the administration's direction to protect and promote faith-centered diplomacy.

Vance reiterated the administration's firm stance on restoring and expanding policies from Trump's first presidency aimed at protecting religious liberty. These include defending the rights of religious Americans, combating antisemitism, and supporting faith-based initiatives.

The Vice President's narrative continued with a focus on religion's role in society. He eloquently discussed how faith builds and strengthens communal bonds and societal obligations.

The Societal Impact of Faith Discussed

Vance articulated his view on the intricate relationship between religion and community. "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 stated, reflecting his vision where government acknowledges and supports religious ideals.

Additionally, he shared anecdotes about how churches have historically served as meeting grounds for diverse communities, fostering unity and shared commitments. These environments, according to Vance, exemplify the positive influence of faith-based community engagement.

The Vice President concluded his speech by reflecting on the legislative as well as moral virtues promoted by religious bonds in the community. He posed a rhetorical question about the role lawmakers should play in cultivating such bonds, advocating for greater emphasis on these virtues in governance.

Reflection on Community and Governance

Vance highlighted previous successes under Trump’s administration, pointing out actions that had been taken to defend religious liberties and foster connections between the government and faith-based organizations.

He emphasized that the current administration intends not only to continue these efforts but also to enhance them. "Well, I'm pleased to say that they certainly were in the first Trump administration, and they will be even more so in the second," Vance concluded.

This address at the International Religious Freedom 2025 Summit marked a clear statement of policy direction from the Vice President, positioning the current administration as a proactive defender of religious liberties on the global stage.