United States Vice President J.D. Vance used his speech at the Munich Security Conference to criticize European governments, accusing them of ignoring the will of their citizens, censoring the media, annulling elections, neglecting religious freedom and failing to take measures to stop illegal migration.
It was a MAGA-style speech, full of political messages, that did not elaborate on defense and security - the main themes of the Munich conference. Instead, Vance touched on recent cultural issues that have caused controversy, from abortion laws in Britain to the recent elections in Romania.
"The threat that worries me most about Europe is not Russia. It's not China, it's not any other external actor. What worries me is the threat from within," Vance said. "The retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values - values that it shares with the United States."
He also criticized European leaders for "running away from their voters," especially when it comes to migration, warning that this could destroy democracy from within by discouraging citizens from participating in democratic processes.
He dismissed any criticism regarding Elon Musk's alleged interference in the European elections, saying: "If American democracy can survive ten years of Greta Thunberg's sermons, you can survive a few months of Elon Musk."
He called for the abolition of political "firewalls," a clear allusion to the German system that prevents far-right parties, such as the Alternative for Germany (AfD), from coming to power - just nine days before federal elections next Sunday.
Based on Vance's speech, it is obvious that the policy of the new American administration is completely different from the transatlantic policy of the White House of former President Joe Biden, assesses the Brussels-based portal "Politiko".
"There is a new sheriff in Washington now, and under the leadership of Donald Trump, we may not agree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to express them in the public sphere - whether we agree or not," Vance said, adding:
"By rejecting people, ignoring their concerns… by shutting down the media, by annulling elections… you are protecting nothing. That is the surest way to destroy democracy… If you run away from your voters, America cannot help you."
The audience in Munich, which included political and defense experts, was taken aback by Vance's speech, the Brussels portal points out.
His speech focused largely on issues of culture war and populism, with Vance accusing European governments and, as he called them, the "commissioners" of the European Union of being more interested in stifling free speech than in the safety of their citizens.
At one point, he sharply criticized the United Kingdom, highlighting the case of anti-abortion activist Adam Smith Connor, who was convicted last year of violating the safety zone while praying near an abortion clinic.
He also condemned Romania's Supreme Court for its decision in November to annul the first round of the country's presidential election, after far-right candidate Calin Georgescu was accused of benefiting from an illegal social media campaign modeled on the Russian model.
"For years, we've been told that everything we fund and support is done in the name of our shared democratic values – everything from our policy on Ukraine to digital censorship is presented as a defense of democracy," Vance told the audience.
"When we see European courts overturning elections and senior officials threatening to overturn others, we should ask ourselves whether we are holding ourselves to high enough standards," Vance said.
He criticized immigration policies, touching on issues that were key to Trump's return to power in the U.S. He said he was praying for the victims of the Munich attack on Thursday, when a migrant drove a car into a crowd of people, injuring 28 people.
"How many times do we have to suffer such terrible blows before we change course and take our civilization in a different direction," Vance asked, adding that the number of non-EU migrants entering the bloc doubled from 2021 to 2022.
This, he said, is "the result of a series of conscious decisions made by politicians across the continent."
Taking an absolutist stance on freedom of speech, Vance concluded: "I deeply believe that there can be no security if you fear the voices, opinions, and consciences that govern your own people."
The speech caused consternation in Munich, where the audience expected clarification of the US administration's recent confusing statements about reaching a peace agreement in Ukraine, its stance towards Russia and the possible withdrawal of US troops from Europe.
"Madness," was the comment of former US ambassador to NATO, Ivo Dalder. "It's not the language you would expect in the 21st century, and certainly not from the US vice president at the most important European security conference," he told Politiko.
Dalder added that Vance missed the opportunity to explain the Trump team's views on the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
"All he said was that they believe that peace should be achieved at some point - and that was it. The issues of territory and borders, the issues of security guarantees, the future of sanctions, support for Ukraine and its future - none of that was even mentioned."
However, not everyone experienced the speech negatively.
Elon Musk, a billionaire and Trump advisor, was enthusiastic, writing on the X network: "Make Europe Great Again! MEGA, MEGA, MEGA."
One European diplomat praised Vance, saying it was "a very strong speech. Many will not like it. Many will silently agree with it, but will not dare to express it. When it comes to democratic processes in different European countries, the EU institutions have shown double standards."
Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul believes Vance has misjudged the problem. He says it's wrong to present censorship as the biggest challenge facing Europe. "He thinks it's censorship. I think it's Russia - and many here think it's Russia."
Vance's speech comes at a time of confusion and frustration in Europe, after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth unexpectedly stated that Ukraine cannot regain its pre-2014 borders and that its future membership in NATO is not an option.
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