JD Vance Chest Bumps an Air Force Cadet During Graduation Ceremony

On Thursday, May 28, 2026, Vice President JD Vance addressed graduates at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, delivering a commencement speech that, while serious in intent, included an unexpected and light-hearted moment. The event, held on an overcast and drizzly morning, saw Vance facing an enthusiastic crowd of cadets and their families.

In his opening remarks, Vance experienced an amusing faux pas as he commented on the weather, which did not match the praise he had prepared for the day. “I put in my remarks this morning how wonderful it is to be here on this beautiful morning in Colorado Springs,” he stated, eliciting laughter from the audience with a self-deprecating acknowledgment of the unwelcome weather. His comment served as a reminder to future speakers to check forecasts ahead of crucial addresses.

Following his address, the Vice President mingled with the graduates, offering a handshake and a salute as they received their diplomas. The atmosphere was inherently celebratory, yet one graduate’s exuberance took Vance by surprise. Instead of a traditional handshake, the cadet leapt into the air for a chest bump, a spontaneous act that caused the crowd to erupt in laughter, while Vance, also amused, shared in the joy of the moment.

However, the day’s proceedings were not without their awkward instances for Vance, particularly when addressing a trend of booing directed at guest speakers during recent graduation ceremonies. This phenomenon has been particularly noticeable in speeches that reference the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence. Notable figures such as Scott Borchetta, CEO of Big Machine Records, and former Google CEO Eric Schmidt had also encountered disapproval from graduates when discussing AI’s impact.

Vance sought to acknowledge this trend with a touch of humour. “I’ve watched a few highlights of graduation speeches where someone will discuss AI and be met with literal boos,” he remarked, before jokingly declaring, “Now you can’t boo me. I’m the Vice President of the United States.” This remark garnered some chuckles from the assembly as the Vice President sought to engage the audience in a meaningful dialogue about the implications of AI technology in military contexts.

Building on this, Vance elaborated on the dual nature of AI’s potential in warfare. He expressed concerns about the reliance on technology while emphasising the importance of human decision-making. “As AI transforms the battlefield, in some ways positively, in some ways not, I ask that you be jealous and selfish about your role as a decision maker in warfare,” he advised the cadets. “Use technology to make you better, but never submit to it.”

This graduation ceremony was particularly poignant, coming days after the issuance of Pope Leo’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas.” The document urged for a disarmament of AI, presenting the moral argument that “no algorithm can make war morally acceptable.” Vance, a convert to Catholicism, noted this context, highlighting the moral considerations surrounding the use of technology in military operations.

The combination of levity and gravity in Vance’s address captured the spirit of the occasion, marking a significant transition for those poised to enter the ranks of the Air Force. As the new officers prepare for their roles in a rapidly evolving military landscape, the Vice President’s message underscored the balance they must strike between embracing technological advancements and maintaining their moral agency in decision-making.

As Vance concluded his speech, the atmosphere remained buoyant, with a clear sense of pride amongst the graduates and their families. The day proved not only to be a milestone for the cadets but also showcased the Vice President’s ability to connect with a youthful audience amidst the complexities of current global issues. The memorable interaction between Vance and the cadet who initiated the chest bump was a fitting symbol of the spirit of camaraderie and optimism that was central to the day’s celebrations.