U.S. Vice President JD Vance sparked controversy at the Munich Security Conference on Friday with a blistering critique of European leaders, comparing their challenges with Elon Musk to America’s experience with climate activist Greta Thunberg.
In a speech that veered from traditional security topics, Vance berated European governments on issues ranging from free speech and immigration to democratic values, urging them to listen more to the voices of their citizens.
“And trust me, I say this with all humor,” Vance said. “If American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk.”
The remark was met with silence from the audience, followed by muted applause as Vance continued to demand that European leaders take greater responsibility for their own security while the United States focuses on global challenges.
Vance’s speech stunned participants at the packed conference, as he departed from expected diplomatic rhetoric to deliver a series of stinging criticisms aimed at America’s European allies.
Vance began by addressing European security concerns, emphasizing the Trump administration’s commitment to resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. However, he quickly shifted focus to what he described as a “lowering of democratic values” in Europe.
“What I’m worried about in Europe is not about Russia, it’s not China, it’s not any other external actor. What I’m worried about is the threat from within,” Vance said. “The retreat in Europe from some of its most fundamental values, values it shares with the United States of America.”
He cited the cancellation of Romania’s 2024 elections due to alleged Russian interference as an example of Europe’s democratic shortcomings. “We see European courts canceling elections, and senior officials threatening to cancel others,” Vance said. “We must do more than talk about democratic values; we must live them.”
Vance also criticized European governments for their handling of free speech and civil liberties. He pointed to discussions in Brussels about shutting down social media during times of civil unrest and highlighted specific cases, including the arrest of a man in the UK for praying near an abortion clinic and German raids on citizens accused of posting anti-feminist messages online.
“Free speech in Europe is, I fear, in retreat,” Vance declared. He also referenced Sweden’s arrest of a man for burning the Koran, questioning whether such actions aligned with democratic principles.
Drawing parallels to the Cold War, Vance warned against repeating the mistakes of the Soviet Union. “They censored dissidents, closed churches, and canceled elections. Were they the good guys? Certainly not. And thank God they lost the Cold War,” he said. “When I look at Europe today, it’s sometimes not so clear what happened to the Cold War’s winners.”
Vance urged European leaders to heed the will of their citizens, using the UK’s Brexit vote as an example of democratic expression. He also took aim at the Biden administration, accusing it of dismissing the lab leak theory during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“In Washington, there’s a new sheriff in town, and under Donald Trump’s leadership, we may disagree with your views, but we will fight for your right in the public square to agree or disagree,” Vance said.
Despite his criticisms, Vance expressed optimism about Europe’s resilience. “The good news is that I believe your democracies are substantially less brittle than many people apparently fear,” he concluded.
The speech highlighted the Trump administration’s combative approach to international diplomacy, underscoring the growing divide between the U.S. and its European allies on issues of democracy, free speech, and security.