Vice President JD Vance has reaffirmed the Trump administration's commitment to defending religious freedom, stating that it remains a top priority in the second term.
Speaking at the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit in Washington, D.C., Vance emphasised that faith should not be left at the door of government and that the administration is actively working to expand on previous achievements.
Addressing an audience of over 1,000 attendees, he declared religious freedom as the "bedrock of civil society in the United States."
He pointed to recent executive actions, including ending federal government actions perceived as hostile to religious Americans, pardoning pro-life activists, and reversing policies that restricted free speech on faith-based issues.
According to Desert News, Vance also acknowledged the funding freeze imposed by the administration on certain non-governmental organisations (NGOs), stating that some funds had been misused to promote atheism abroad rather than advancing religious liberty.
He defended the decision as a necessary step to ensure taxpayer money supports faith-based initiatives rather than undermining them.
Reflecting on the Trump administration’s global religious freedom efforts, Vance cited previous successes in rescuing persecuted pastors, aiding Yazidis and Christians targeted by ISIS, and defending faith communities across China, the Middle East, and Africa.
He promised that the next four years would build on these efforts, ensuring that U.S. foreign policy recognizes and supports nations that uphold religious freedom.
Vance’s remarks were met with standing ovations, with attendees expressing enthusiasm for the administration’s renewed focus on faith-based policies.
Katrina Lantos Swett, co-chair of the IRF Summit, praised his presence as a sign of respect for the movement’s mission.
In his concluding remarks, Vance emphasised the unifying power of faith, stating that religious freedom is a right for all people, regardless of belief.
He recalled his own childhood experiences in a non-religious home, recognising the church as a place where people of different backgrounds stood equal in their worship and service.
Calling for a cultural renewal of faith, Vance highlighted the role of churches in fostering kindness, generosity, and dignity in society.
He urged unity in the fight for religious freedom, stating: “The source of religious liberty is the recognition that all of us are equal under the rights and laws of God, and that principle will guide us in the years to come.”