Full Breakdown
Vice President JD Vance Addresses 2026 U.S. Air Force Academy Graduates
5/29/2026, 3:52:37 AM
Commencement Address Highlights
On May 28 2026, Vice President JD Vance delivered a 30-minute keynote at the United States Air Force Academy’s 68th commencement in Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs. He spoke to 931 graduating cadets—who will be commissioned into the Air Force or Space Force within 60 days—and emphasized the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare, human moral responsibility, and the forthcoming $1.5 trillion defense budget.
AI Debate and Papal Guidance
Vance referenced recent boos directed at speakers who discussed AI at other universities, noting that “literal boos” have accompanied such remarks. He aligned his stance with Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas*, which calls for “no algorithm can make war morally acceptable” and urges that life-and-death decisions remain human-controlled.
Key Participants
- JD Vance – Vice President of the United States, former Marine Corps officer.
- USAFA Cadets – 931 members of the Class of 2026, soon to serve as officers.
- Pope Leo XIV – Author of the AI-related encyclical cited by Vance.
- President Donald Trump – Proposed a $1.5 trillion budget for the Department of War.
- Air Force Thunderbirds – Performed a fly-over at the ceremony’s conclusion.
Event Numbers and Resources
- Graduates commissioned: 931 (some outlets reported “about 900”).
- Air Force Thunderbirds fly-over: Featured during the ceremony.
- Proposed defense budget: $1.5 trillion, intended to fund new aircraft (F-47, B-21) and improve quality-of-life infrastructure for service members.
Official Statements & Responses
Vance asserted that AI “will inevitably change warfare” but stressed that “decisions over life and death must be made by humans and not machines.” He urged cadets to remain “jealous and selfish” about their decision-making authority, using technology as a tool without surrendering control. Citing a recent rescue of an airman shot down over Iran, he highlighted the Air Force’s adaptability: “Plan A, Plan B, Plan C—executed time and time again.” He also endorsed the President’s budget, linking increased funding to the ability of future officers to “focus on the fight and focus on winning.”
Criticism and Public Reaction
Observers noted a “tepid response” from the audience, with only subdued chuckles after Vance’s joke about not being booed. Social-media commentary described the moment as “awkward” and suggested the vice president’s remarks failed to generate enthusiasm. Prior incidents of booing at other AI-focused speeches were cited as context for Vance’s pre-emptive warning.
On-the-Ground Observations
The ceremony began under rain-soaked skies; Vance joked about the weather, saying, “check the weather before you make a big speech.” After his address, a cadet chest-bumped Vance, prompting laughter from the crowd. The Thunderbirds’ formation fly-over and the presentation of a painting depicting an F-47 and B-21 to Vance were also highlighted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of graduates commissioned—some report “about 900,” while others specify “931.” No independent verification of the exact figure is provided in the available excerpts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is the only commencement speech I'm giving this year, so I've watched a few highlights of graduation speeches where someone will discuss artificial intelligence and be met with literal boos,” — JD Vance, Vice President of the United States
- “Now, you can't boo me. I'm the Vice President of the United States.” — JD Vance
- “And if the warfare of the future is to live up to the world values of our ancestors, decisions over life and death must be made by humans and not machines.” — JD Vance
- “Your Air Force, your future force, went in there and did the impossible,” — JD Vance, referencing the Iran rescue operation
Future Outlook
The $1.5 trillion budget is slated for congressional consideration later in 2026, and the Department of War is expected to issue guidance on integrating AI while preserving human command authority. Cadets will soon confront these policies as they assume operational roles in the Air Force and Space Force.
