Vance's Naval Academy Speech: Trump Administration's New War Doctrine

Vice President JD Vance's Commencement Speech at the U.S. Naval Academy: A New Era in U.S. Military Intervention? On May 23, 2025, Vice President JD Vance delivered a commencement address at the prestigious U.S. Naval Academy that outlined a significant shift in the Trump administration's approach to military conflict. The speech, which has garnered considerable online attention, signals a move away from open-ended engagements. "The Trump administration has reversed course," Vance stated, "No more undefined missions, no more open-ended conflicts." This declaration marks a clear break from previous U.S. military interventions. Vance's address emphasized a strategy grounded in "realism and protecting our core national interests." He further clarified that this doesn't mean ignoring threats, but rather approaching them with "discipline." This approach was exemplified by the recent conflict with the Houthis in the Middle East, where the U.S. engaged with a "clear diplomatic goal" to secure freedom of navigation. The speech resonated strongly with the graduating class, who will now serve as officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Vance's words offer a glimpse into the future direction of U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing a more strategic and defined approach to military intervention, signaling a potential era of more calculated and purposeful engagement in global conflicts.