Vance celebrates 'no more quotas' in the military as he fires guns and visits with Marines

U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Va., March 26, 2025. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

Arriving three hours late, Vance blamed the delay on an Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump. 

"I was in the Oval Office talking to the president. I said, ’Sir, I know we’re in the middle of something, but the Marines at Quantico are waiting for me." 

He said Trump sent his "love" and appreciation.

Lieutenants at Quantico told Fox News Digital they were excited to see a former Marine in the White House. Amid rapid-fire changes in Washington, they said their day-to-day lives hadn't changed much in the military, other than new restrictions about what they were allowed to post on social media.

Wednesday's address included Vance’s first public remarks since a bombshell report emerged of the vice president airing his concerns about Houthi strikes in a group chat on Signal with other top U.S. officials. He did not answer questions from reporters about the leaked discussion. 

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U.S. Vice President JD Vance wears a tactical helmet and gear as he takes part in shooting practice during a visit to Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Va., March 26, 2025. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

Hegseth added, "Waiting a few weeks or a month does not fundamentally change the calculus. 2 immediate risks on waiting: 1) this leaks, and we look indecisive; 2) Israel takes an action first – or Gaza cease fire falls apart – and we don’t get to start this on our own terms."

Vance replied, "If you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again."

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Hegseth added, "VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes. I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-marines-quantico