JD Vance invokes Charlie Kirk, family ‘birthright’ in fiery midterm keynote speech thrashing Dems

FIRST ON FOX: Vice President JD Vance used his convention address Thursday night to honor Charlie Kirk one year after his assassination and is set to cast the November election as a fight over what he calls Americans’ “birthright,” Fox News Digital has exclusively learned.

Vance is expected to weave the birth of his fourth child, Alec, into a sweeping argument about family, jobs, education, public safety, religious liberty and homeownership while delivering some of his sharpest attacks yet against Democrats.

Vance took the stage before Trump delivered the convention’s closing remarks, ending the inaugural two-day event designed to rally voters in a critical election. He spent part of his speech outlining the future he sees for not just the GOP, but America.

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Vice President JD Vance speaks at the Lake Lucerne Summit at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, Switzerland June 21, 2026.  (Urs Flueeler, Pool Photo via AP)

On the anniversary of Turning Point USA’s co-founder Charlie Kirk’s death, Vance honored his friend.

“I was elected Vice President of the United States one year ago today, on September the 10th of last year, that good friend was taken from us when Charlie was assassinated. Now, Charlie left behind two children, two little kids. They were too young to fully understand,” said Vance.

Vance recalled Kirk’s message to young men that few callings are greater than falling in love, starting a family and becoming a father — words that have taken on new meaning for the vice president since he and second lady Usha Vance welcomed their son Alec in July.

Vice President JD Vance speaks with Breitbart News Washington bureau chief Matthew Boyle at Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium Nov. 20, 2025, in Washington.  (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)

He used Kirk’s legacy to transition into touting the “birthright” exceptionalism Americans have. 

“I believe the Founders built this nation on a promise that echoes our Creator: That every American child is born an heir, born with a birthright,” said Vance. “Born with the right to inherit the blessings of this country. Not because of who their parents are. Not because of what they look like or where they come from. But because they are Americans.”

Vance used the opportunity to outline his vision for rebuilding the nuclear family — taking shots at Democrats. 

“I think about what the Democrats have said about our shared birthright as Americans, or frankly, the lack thereof in Michigan. One Democrat in particular, one candidate has said, and I quote ‘f the nuclear family.’ What are you even talking about?” said Vance.

“They come not from a desire to serve you or our fellow Americans, but they come from a very deep emptiness in the soul,” he added.