Vance criticized censorship and mass migration in Europe during his address at the Munich Security Conference, while minimizing threats from nations like Russia and China.
“The primary concern I have regarding Europe is not Russia, nor China, or any other foreign influence. What truly worries me is the internal threat—the erosion of Europe’s fundamental values, which are values that align with those of the United States,” Vance articulated.
The vice president rebuked European leaders for attempting to censor misinformation on social media, stating, “Regrettably, when I observe Europe today, it’s sometimes unclear what has happened to some of the victors of the Cold War.” He particularly criticized the United Kingdom for prosecuting a man for quietly praying near an abortion clinic.
“Free speech is, I fear, regressing in Britain and across Europe,” Vance remarked. “I must acknowledge that sometimes the strongest advocates for censorship originate not from Europe, but from my own nation, where the previous administration pressured and intimidated social media platforms to censor what was labeled as misinformation.”
He asserted that the Trump administration believes Europe ought to increase its defense spending contributions, while claiming “America is focused on regions of the world facing significant threats.”
Vance then expressed concern over mass migration, referencing an asylum seeker who was allegedly involved in a car attack on a crowd in Munich the day before.
“Among the urgent challenges that the nations represented here face, I believe mass migration is the most critical issue today,” he commented. “We witnessed the horrors resulting from these decisions just yesterday in this very city, and I can’t help but think of the tragic individuals whose delightful winter day in Munich was marred.”
“How many times must we endure these distressing setbacks before we alter our trajectory and redirect our shared civilization?” he questioned. “No voter on this continent cast a ballot to open the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants.”
Many of Vance’s statements were received with mostly silence from the audience and minimal applause.
