QUESTIONS SURROUNDING VICE PRESIDENT VANCE’S VISIT TO ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MEMORIAL AS SOCIAL MEDIA POST DELETED
NECESSITATES REDOUBLING EFFORTS ON GENOCIDE AFFIRMATION AND EDUCATION SAYS ARMENIAN ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
Washington, D.C. – Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Armenia was widely covered by Armenian media, including a wreath-laying ceremony and a moment of silence at the eternal flame. However, by deleting a post on the Armenian Genocide, he backtracked on the clear U.S. record of affirmation.
As reported, the initial post by Vance was retracted and replaced by a subsequent tweet that avoided the usage of the expression of genocide. While that might have kept the Vice President’s remarks consistent with the President’s April 24th 2025 statement, the incident was another reminder about the dangers of denial, especially in the context of negotiations to resolve differences between Armenia and Azerbaijan and only imposes additional costs on Armenia and rewards Turkey for constantly meddling in regional affairs and for being unconstructive, if not obstructive, on many important issues.
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“While the Assembly greatly appreciates U.S. engagement and the strengthening of relations, we cannot remain silent with respect to the Vice President’s posting and then deleting reference to the Armenian Genocide and further replacing it with a version bereft of any mention of the Memorial or the Armenian Genocide during his visit to Tsitsernakaberd,” stated Assembly Co-Chairs Talin Yacoubian and Oscar Tatosian.
“We deserve better from our elected officials and call for a public explanation for the apparent flip-flop. As Armenian Americans, we have long been united in the cause of genocide education, affirmation, and prevention,” the co-chairs continued. “At this pivotal moment, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that recognition is matched with vigilance and action. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to justice, accountability, and the prevention of future atrocities.”
Since its founding in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America has worked to advance public understanding of Armenian issues and to ensure broad recognition of historical truth, including through the establishment of the Armenian National Institute, dedicated to the study, research, and affirmation of the Armenian Genocide.
Today, more than 30 countries and the Vatican have formally affirmed the Armenian Genocide. In the United States, recognition has been expressed by Presidents, the United States Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, the Judicial Branch, and all 50 states—reflecting a national consensus grounded in historical evidence and moral clarity.
The Assembly will continue working with policymakers, educators, and communities across the United States to strengthen genocide education, preserve historical memory, and uphold America’s leadership in defending human rights and religious freedom worldwide.
Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a strictly non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization.
Armenian Assembly of America