Vice President JD Vance took the stage on Thursday at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference, held just across the river from Washington, D.C., in National Harbor, Maryland, and delivered a rousing performance that had conservatives on their feet. Kicking off the event after the Pledge of Allegiance, national anthem, and invocation, Vance sat down with CPAC host Mercedes Schlapp for a nearly hour-long discussion that covered a wide range of pressing issues. His informal yet commanding presence reaffirmed why Republicans see him as a rising star ready to carry the torch of the America First movement.

Vance wasted no time touting the Trump administration’s early wins, fresh off a month in office. He grinned as he noted the breakneck pace of their agenda, saying, “It’s only been a month since the inauguration.” Border security topped his list, with crossings already down over 90% thanks to decisive action—a promise kept that’s got the GOP base roaring. He hammered home the need to unleash American energy, declaring it’s time to “drill baby drill” and kickstart the economy. And when it came to taxpayer dollars, he didn’t hold back.

“What are we doing with all the taxpayers’ money,” he asked, “and why are we spending it on things people aren’t aware of and/or don’t want?” He pushed the Department of Government Efficiency’s mission, vowing, “Let’s spend the American people’s tax money on the American people’s priority.”

On Europe, Vance pulled no punches. He warned of a continent in crisis over individual rights, especially free speech, and slammed their open-border madness. “A strong Europe should have strong borders and strong national traditions,” he insisted, tying it to Trump’s push to end the Ukraine war—a conflict he said has cost too many lives and too much property. Schlapp pressed him on masculinity, and Vance delivered a crowd-pleaser.

“My message to young men is don’t allow this broken culture to tell you you’re a bad person because you’re a man, because you like to tell a joke, or because you’re competitive,” he said.

He praised Trump as a “strong and decisive” leader who “says just what’s on his mind,” a rarity in politics that’s got conservatives nodding in approval. From his recent whirlwind travel—Munich, East Palestine, Ohio, and Hurricane Helene victims—to CPAC’s stage, Vance’s energy was electric despite the grueling schedule. At 40, his youth and vigor shone through, a stark contrast to the tired establishment relics.

Vance didn’t dodge the culture war either. He blasted the left’s war on masculinity and femininity, tying it to Trump’s executive order smashing DEI in education and protecting women’s sports. Republicans see this as a home run—reclaiming values the woke crowd tried to bury. His digs at CNN’s tanking ratings drew laughs, with Vance quipping that even Trump couldn’t save their sinking ship.

For conservatives, Vance at CPAC was a shot of adrenaline. He’s not just Trump’s wingman—he’s a powerhouse signaling the GOP’s future: tough on borders, fierce on freedom, and relentless on waste. With the administration rolling and the base fired up, Republicans are ready to ride this momentum, proving they’re the party that delivers what Americans demand.