Strengthening American Families for a Brighter Future

Just days into the second Trump administration, Vice President JD Vance emphasized his commitment to pro-family initiatives.

On Friday, Vance delivered a speech at the March for Life, an annual gathering in Washington, DC, that has historically commemorated Roe v. Wade and continues to advocate for pro-life values.

While his address touched on numerous subjects, it primarily focused on the vital importance of family in American society, economic success, and overall happiness.

“Let me say very simply: I want more babies in the United States of America,” he asserted to the crowd.

“I want more joyful children in our country, and I desire young men and women who are eager to welcome them into the world and raise them.”

Vance wasn’t merely paying lip service; he outlined specific actions that President Trump took to promote family welfare during his first term, such as “doubling the child tax credit,” and committed to doing “much more” over the next four years.

He has emerged as the advocate for traditional family values that many Americans didn’t know were necessary.

Throughout the inauguration and the campaign trail, Vance exemplified his pro-family principles publicly.

Despite the option of outsourcing child care, Vance’s three young children — aged 7, 5, and 2 — were frequently in the spotlight.

They weren’t mere props (although their presence certainly added to his appeal), as Vance has been vocal about striving to be the engaged father he lacked as a child.

It’s high time for Washington to pursue policies that facilitate parenting in this nation, but Vance embodies something even more profound: hope and motivation.

In his speech at the March for Life, Vance articulated what he perceives as a troubling trend in American society: “A culture of radical individualism took root, one where the responsibilities and joys of family life were seen as obstacles to overcome, not as personal fulfillment or blessings.”

Young Americans are feeling lost. The most pressing social issue confronting our country is the younger generations’ disconnection from what truly matters in life.

By various metrics, millions of young people are forging fewer social connections, engaging less in romantic relationships, postponing marriage or forgoing it altogether, and distancing themselves from faith and family — all of which is reflected in historically low birth rates.

The “birth dearth” could lead to serious societal repercussions that countries like South Korea and Japan are already grappling with.

Fewer workers, fewer taxpayers, and an aging population are not conducive to economic growth.

However, Vance’s remarks resonated with a concern for the future of America that transcends economic challenges — illustrating what a revival of traditional families could look like under the second Trump administration.

“We need a culture that celebrates life at all stages,” he proclaimed. “A culture that recognizes and truly believes that our national success isn’t measured by GDP or stock market numbers, but by whether individuals feel empowered to raise thriving and healthy families in our nation.”

In many ways, Vance’s life story serves as a significant source of inspiration for America.

The beginning of his journey resonates with millions: Raised primarily by his grandmother in a broken home, Vance faced poverty and challenges from an early age.

Remarkably, he overcame these adversities to become a best-selling author, a U.S. senator, and now the vice president of the United States.

Vance broke not only the cycle of poverty but also one of disconnection.

Today, he symbolizes the American Dream, ensuring that this narrative includes his devoted wife and three lovely children alongside his professional accomplishments.

Vance has made it clear that his worldly successes are incomplete without the presence of his wife and children.

This is why, during his swearing-in ceremony, we didn’t see Vance alone taking the oath.

His supportive wife Usha was there, radiant as she cradled their 2-year-old daughter Mirabel, who was adorably sucking her thumb with colorful bandages adorning her fingers.

Among the many ceremonial moments of inaugurations past, this heartfelt scene is one of the most memorable I’ve witnessed.

Vance and his family are genuine; the charming images of his kids, all dressed up beneath the Capitol dome and playfully engaging during the inauguration parade, are relatable, aspirational, and perhaps even enviable.

I hope they become a source of inspiration for America’s emerging generation.

Bethany Mandel is the co-author of “Stolen Youth” and a homeschooling mother of six based in greater Washington, DC.