Vice President JD Vance spoke at the March For Life rally in Washington, D.C., on January 23, 2026. He addressed criticisms from segments of the anti-abortion rights movement concerning the perceived slow pace of progress in advancing their agenda.
Vance acknowledged concerns about insufficient political action, stating, "I hear you, and that I understand there will inevitably be debates within this movement." He encouraged attendees to reflect on the progress made over the past decade and affirmed that further actions are planned for the future. Vance specifically referenced former President Trump's appointment of three Supreme Court justices instrumental in overturning Roe v. Wade, calling it the "most important" Supreme Court decision of his lifetime. He also mentioned actions taken by the Trump administration, such as the pardoning of 23 anti-abortion rights activists approximately a year prior.
Former President Donald J. Trump did not attend the rally but provided a video message. In his message, Trump stated that his administration had "made unprecedented strides to protect innocent life and support the institution of the family." He also highlighted his role in appointing the Supreme Court justices who contributed to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, referring to it as the "greatest victory in its history" for the pro-life movement. A statement released by the White House from Trump further emphasized his administration's contributions, stating, "From the moment I returned to office as the 47th President of the United States, I have taken decisive action to protect the unborn and restore a culture that unapologetically defends the sanctity of life."