Vice President JD Vance used his time at the March 26, 2026, Cabinet meeting to deliver a message of faith and support to American service members overseas, extending wishes for a happy Holy Week and Easter to all Americans while showing particular empathy for troops deployed in the Gulf region. A Christian and veteran himself, Vance recognized the personal sacrifice of those fighting abroad during one of the faith’s most sacred seasons.
Vance: They are fighting at a time we're about to enter as Christians the most important week of the Christian calendar, I want to say to all of my fellow American Christians and those serving in the gulf—I wish you all a very blessed Easter pic.twitter.com/nU59romR31
— Acyn (@Acyn) March 26, 2026
He framed the moment around the significance of the calendar for Christians worldwide. “I’m mindful that we have a lot of folks overseas fighting ably for the United States of America,” Vance said. “We are proud of them but they are fighting at a time where we are about to enter, as Christians, the most important week of the Christian calendar, the holy week that celebrates the return of Jesus Christ to Jerusalem and I want to say to all of my fellow American Christians but particularly those serving in the Gulf I wish you all a very blessed easter, a very blessed holy week and we continue to stand behind you and support you every step of the way.”
The remarks came amid ongoing U.S. military operations in the region under Operation Epic Fury, which Central Command launched on February 28, 2026, at President Trump’s direction. The campaign has targeted the Iranian regime’s security apparatus with more than 9,000 combat flights, strikes that have damaged or destroyed over 140 Iranian vessels, and the elimination of the supreme leader along with more than 40 top regime figures. Troops in the Gulf support these missions, operating far from home as the operation continues to neutralize command centers, missile sites, and manufacturing facilities.
Operation Epic Fury: March 23rd Update pic.twitter.com/Ho69WqwcRo
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 23, 2026
Vance’s words underscored a broader sense of national gratitude and solidarity. He spoke not only to the troops’ Christian faith but to the shared American commitment to stand with them, acknowledging the added weight they carry while serving during Holy Week. His message blended pride in their service with quiet recognition of the personal and spiritual challenges of being overseas at this time of year.
The vice president’s statement reflected the administration’s focus on both the military campaign and the human element of those executing it. As operations proceed, Vance made clear that support for the troops remains unwavering, extending encouragement to every service member in the Gulf and to American Christians observing the season at home.