Vice President JD Vance didn’t hold back at this year’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), delivering a speech that had the crowd laughing, cheering, and fired up about the future.
While his playful jab at CNN made headlines, Vance’s message was about more than just media bias—he laid out the administration’s plan to secure the border, cut government waste, and bring back American energy independence.
One of the biggest laughs of the night came when VP Vance took aim at CNN’s ratings.
“President Trump has signed more executive orders than CNN has viewers.”
The crowd erupted in applause, loving the swipe at a network that has spent years attacking conservatives.
But this wasn’t just about mocking the media—Vance was making a point.
The Trump administration is moving fast and taking action, using executive orders to reverse Biden-era policies, strengthen the border, and kickstart economic growth.
And unlike CNN’s dwindling audience, the effects of these policies will be felt across the country.
One of the key messages of Vance’s speech was border security. And he didn’t mince words.
He proudly told the crowd that illegal border crossings have dropped by 90% since the administration took office—thanks to tough executive actions and the reinstatement of Trump’s Remain in Mexico policy.
“The difference between us and the last administration? We’re actually doing something.”
For many Americans, the border crisis isn’t just political talk—it’s real life. Cities across the country, including deep-blue areas like New York and Chicago, are struggling under the weight of illegal immigration. Vance made it clear: This administration is taking action, and it’s working.
Vance also hit on another major issue—energy.
Under Biden, America became dependent on foreign oil again, leading to higher gas prices and inflation.
Now, the Trump administration is rolling back regulations and opening up drilling and pipeline projects to get America back to energy independence.
“We’re unlocking the engine of American growth.”
For everyday Americans, this means lower gas prices, lower utility bills, and more jobs—all things that Biden’s anti-energy policies made worse.
Another moment that fired up the CPAC crowd was Vance’s criticism of government waste.
He called out ridiculous spending under the Biden administration, like funding art projects featuring toilets in Afghanistan.
“Your tax dollars at work, folks.”
For conservatives who believe in limited government, this is exactly the kind of wasteful spending that needs to go.
This administration is cutting the fat and putting money where it actually helps Americans.
Liberal media outlets immediately pounced on his CNN joke, trying to fact-check his claim.
CNN actually saw a 55% increase in viewership in January 2025, according to industry reports.
But even with that boost, CNN still lags far behind networks like Fox News, and conservatives argue that ratings don’t change the network’s clear bias.
Democrats also pushed back on Vance’s praise of executive orders, saying it’s hypocritical for conservatives to criticize big government while relying on executive actions to push policy.
Vance’s response? If Congress won’t act, Trump will.
VP Vance’s speech at CPAC wasn’t just about one-liners and media takedowns—it was about action.
- Securing the border
- Restoring energy independence
- Cutting government waste
Vance and Trump are moving quickly to undo the damage of the last four years—and conservatives are here for it.
The fight for America’s future is on.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
