J.D. Vance’s Speech Attacking Free Speech In Europe Falls Flat With U.S. Allies

At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance accused European leaders of suppressing free speech and failing to halt illegal migration. He directed an attack on European democracies, saying that the greatest threat to the continent was “from within” – not Russia or China.

Vance gave a speech at the Munich Security Conference and claimed freedom of speech was “in retreat” in Europe. He also called out European governments for ignoring voter concerns. In light of remarks from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth last week in Brussels insisting that Europe take the lead in defending Ukraine, Vance reiterated the Trump administration’s belief that Europe must “step up in a big way to provide for its own defense.”

Vance was expected to address the critical issues of the Ukraine war and security differences between Washington and Europe. He briefly touched on these topics before launching criticism at European governments.

The vice president alleged European Union “commissars” were suppressing free speech, blamed the continent for mass migration, and accused its leaders of retreating from “some of its most fundamental values.” He framed European politics as infected by media censorship, canceled elections and political correctness.

“If you are afraid of the voices, the opinions and the conscience that guide your very own people … If you’re running in fear of your own voters, there is nothing America can do for you, nor for that matter is there anything you can do for the American people,” Vance said.

“People dismissing voters’ concerns, shutting down their media, protects nothing. It is the most surefire way to destroy democracy,” Vance continued. His message urged shocked world leaders in the hall not to shun far-right political parties. Vance said German parties should drop the “firewall” that has long existed to prevent mainstream parties from engaging with far-right parties like Alternative für Deutschland (Alternative for Germany).

“I look to Brussels, where EU commissars warn citizens that they intend to shut down social media during times of civil unrest the moment they spot what they’ve judged to be, quote, ‘hateful content,'” Vance said in Munich.

Attendees sat in silence after Vance’s address, later criticizing his remarks. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Vance was “trying to pick a fight” with Europe, including some of the U.S.’s closest allies. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said his speech was “not acceptable.”

German broadcaster DW found different media reports on the topic in July 2023. Commissars cited former European Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, referring to the possibility of a shutdown under EU’s content moderation law only “in extreme cases” and following due process if they didn’t crack down problematic content during riots. Breton cited the Digital Services Act (DSA). According to the European Commission, the main goal of the act is “to prevent illegal and harmful activities online and the spread of disinformation.”

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Article by Angie Schlager