VP JD Vance Celebrates Marine Corps’ 250th Anniversary, Promises Focus on Readiness Over Diversity Quotas

Vice President JD Vance joined his fellow Marines at Camp Pendleton in California Saturday to celebrate the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, saying the Trump administration will refocus the military on “discipline, readiness, and faith in one another” instead of “diversity quotas.” 

“When officials try to shift focus to mandating diversity quotas or they try to inject partisan politics into the American armed forces, they impede the Marine Corps’ ability to do its best work,” Vance said. 

Prior to Vance’s address, some Marines gave a demonstration in which they stormed Camp Pendleton’s beaches. The celebration included other demonstrations, including an amphibious assault, Navy SEALs jumping into the ocean during an amphibious capabilities demonstration, and more.

Marines perform an amphibious capabilities demonstration as US Vice President JD Vance and US Second Lady Usha Vance visit, on Red Beach at Camp Pendleton, California, on October 18, 2025 as part of the Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary celebrations. (Oliver Contreras via Getty Images)

“God bless you, Marines. From one Marine to another, thank you for your service,” Vance said, reminding the crowd that he is the first Marine to be vice president of the United States.

Vance also took the time to reassure Marines that the Trump administration will fight for them to get paid during the shutdown.

“We will do everything possible to make sure enlisted Marines get paid,” Vance said. “Political battles in Washington should not come at the expense of troops and their families.” 

A team of U.S. Navy SEALS emerge onto the beach during the America’s Marines 250 event at Camp Pendleton’s Red Beach on October 18, 2025 in Oceanside, California. (Mario Tama via Getty Images)

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth also spoke to the Marines, saying their diversity is not their strength and “never has been.” 

“Your strength is in your unity of purpose. It’s in your shared mission. It’s in your oath to the Constitution. It’s the bond that turns individuals into single-minded fighting units. You see, you are set apart. You’re not civilians. You’re devil dogs, leathernecks, United States Marines,” Hegseth said.  

Hegseth added that the Marines might be his favorite branch.

“I’m not supposed to say this, really not. But I think you guys might be my favorite,” he told the Marines.

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth arrives for the America’s Marines 250 event at Camp Pendleton’s Red Beach on October 18, 2025 in Oceanside, California. (Mario Tama via Getty Images)

Gen. Eric Smith, commandant of the Marine Corps, told the crowd that the celebration is what freedom looks and sounds like, going on to say that “the next fight is coming,” and the “Marines will be ready.”

“When it matters most, it’s not technology or equipment that wins the day, but the dependability, decisiveness, and character of the Marine or sailor who wields it,” Smith said.

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