US Committed to Advancing Religious Liberty Around the World, Vance Says

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

The vice president said the United States has ’much more to do’ to secure religious freedom at home and abroad.

WASHINGTON—Vice President JD Vance reiterated the United States’ commitment to upholding religious freedom at home and abroad, saying the Trump administration has “much more to do.”

“Our administration believes we must stand for religious freedom—not just as a legal principle, as important as that is, but as a lived reality, both within our own borders and especially outside,” Vance said in a speech at the International Religious Freedom Summit on Feb. 5.

“You shouldn’t have to leave your faith at the door of your people’s government, and under President Trump’s leadership, you won’t have to.”

He said the administration is “intent on not just restoring but on expanding the achievements of the first four years.”

In the first Trump administration, Vance said, President Donald Trump had made promoting religious freedom a foreign policy priority in China, across Europe, and throughout Africa and the Middle East.

Trump in 2019 met more than two dozen victims of religious persecution from countries such as China and North Korea and told them, “Each of you has now become a witness to the importance of advancing religious liberty all around the world.”

The first Trump administration in 2020 also sanctioned a Chinese official for persecuting the faith group Falun Gong, marking the first time the United States had imposed such a penalty over the abuse.

In the last days of Trump’s first term, the State Department declared the repression of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang a genocide, and a number of other nations followed suit.

Vance also criticized previous U.S. funding for helping to spread atheism and vowed to end such spending, making reference to a $500,000 funding opportunity from the State Department in 2021 for programs that it said would “promote and defend religious freedom inclusive of atheist, humanist, non-practicing and non-affiliated individuals.”

“How did America get to the point where we’re sending hundreds of thousands of dollars abroad to NGOs that are dedicated to spreading atheism all over the globe?” he said.

“That is not what leadership on protecting the rights of the faithful looks like, and it ends with this administration.”

By Eva Fu

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Kamala, Please Run Again

Kamala Harris hinted she wants to run for President in 2028, despite poor poll numbers and her loss in 2024. If she runs, the big winners will be the GOP.

Rosie O’Donnell vs. Her Therapist

Rosie O’Donnell's therapist attempted to artfully introduce to her client to the possibility that Rosie's outrage might be performative. It didn’t take.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Off the radar

In the longstanding and brutal ledger of religious persecution, Nigeria now occupies its own grim chapter with its enduring pogrom against Christians.

The New Jackboots? A Wake-Up Call on Antifa and Fascism

An analysis of whether Antifa truly opposes fascism by comparing its tactics and behavior to historical signs and movements of fascist regimes.

USDA Says SNAP Benefits Will Expire for 41 Million People If Shutdown Persists

More than 41 million Americans will go without food stamps next month if Congress does not vote to reopen the government in time.

Newsom Confirms He’s Considering 2028 Presidential Bid

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he will seriously consider a presidential campaign after the 2026 midterms are over.

‘Showing Up in Droves’—Gen Z Trades Graduation Caps for Hard Hats

The share of Generation Z workers in the construction labor force more than doubled between 2019 and 2023, according to a recent report.

Dallas Doctor Surrenders License After Texas AG Sues for Prescribing Gender Transition Drugs to Minors

Doctor surrendered her medical license following lawsuit by Texas AG Paxton, accusing her of illegally prescribing gender transition drugs to minors.

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.

‘Frustration’ With Canada Led to Trump Scrapping Talks, Not Just Ontario’s Ad: US Official

President Trump cited Ontario’s TV ad as the reason for halting Canada trade talks, but officials say it stems from rising U.S. frustration with Ottawa.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central