U.S. Vice President JD Vance closes out AmericaFest, the first Turning Point USA summit since the death of Charlie Kirk, in Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. December 21, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin O'Hara
(Washington, DC) – Vice President JD Vance is drawing strong reactions after making comments about race and identity during a recent speech.
“In the United States of America, you don’t have to apologize for being white anymore,” Vance said during his remarks, a line that quickly began circulating across social media platforms.
Supporters praised the statement as a defense of what they describe as equal treatment and a rejection of identity-based guilt. Many online commenters framed the remark as a pushback against diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that critics argue unfairly single out certain groups.
Others, however, sharply criticized the comment, saying it oversimplifies complex conversations about race and systemic inequality in the United States. Civil rights advocates and political opponents accused Vance of inflaming cultural divisions at a time when tensions around race and education policy remain high.
The vice president has frequently positioned himself as a vocal critic of what he calls “woke” ideology, often focusing on cultural and educational debates that resonate strongly with parts of the conservative base.
The speech comes amid ongoing national discussions over race relations, workplace diversity programs, and how American history is taught in schools. With the political climate already polarized, Vance’s remarks are likely to remain a flashpoint in the broader culture debate.
As reactions continue to pour in, the moment underscores how identity politics remains one of the most charged issues in American public life.
