Vance attacks critics as US marks 250th anniversary of independence

NEW YORK: United States Vice President JD Vance on Saturday criticised those he said focus on America’s flaws, delivering a lengthy July Fourth speech from the deck of the USS Kearsarge in New York as the country marked the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The address took place as dozens of tall ships from more than 20 countries sailed into New York Harbour for commemorations tied to the signing of the declaration on July 4, 1776. Vance spoke as part of celebrations that also featured an air display over the harbour.

In his remarks, Vance said some people were preoccupied with what he described as the country’s imperfections rather than its achievements. He said these voices spoke about America’s sins with intensity but lacked grace and forgiveness, and argued that such critics failed to understand the country’s essence. He also urged Americans not to reduce either their fellow citizens or their country to a simplistic view.

Speaking from the amphibious assault ship, Vance said:

"You will hear a couple small but loud voices today speak obsessively not of our national greatness, but of our national imperfections,"

He added:

"They’ll talk about America’s sins with the anger and zeal of a brimstone preacher, but without any of the grace or forgiveness that must be present in the Christian faith,"

Vance went on to say these critics “misunderstand the essence of America”. As ships passed behind him, he called on Americans to “reject the two-dimensional view of your fellow citizens and reject the two-dimensional view of your country”.

Echoes of Trump’s message

Vance’s comments reflected themes used a day earlier by US President Donald Trump, who said radicals and extremists were threatening the country’s identity and asserted that there was a resurgence of communism in the United States. The speeches underscored how the 250th anniversary is being observed amid sharp political divisions, even as it is also being celebrated as a major national milestone.

A V-22 Osprey carrying Vance departed after an International Naval Review in New York Harbour on July 4, 2026.

Harbour flyover and heat concerns

The New York events included flyovers by military aircraft, among them the Blue Angels, the US Navy’s flight demonstration squadron. Some of the aircraft left red, white and blue contrails over the harbour during the celebrations.

At the same time, a severe heat wave across the eastern United States threatened to affect Independence Day events over the weekend. In New York City, the heat index, which reflects how hot it feels when humidity is included, reached 41°C by mid-afternoon.