In a strong and direct speech at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance cautioned European leaders about the dangers of censorship and the decline of free speech.
Speaking to an audience of military officials, diplomats, and policymakers, Vance criticized what he described as Europe’s departure from core democratic values. He pledged that the Trump Administration would stand firmly in defense of free expression both domestically and internationally.
“There is a new sheriff in town,” Vance declared. “Under Donald Trump’s leadership, we may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to offer them in the public square.”
While the Munich Security Conference typically focuses on external threats, Vance shifted attention to what he sees as a growing internal crisis: the suppression of free speech and democratic principles within Europe.
“The threat that I worry the most about vis-a-vis Europe is not Russia. It’s not China. It’s not any other external actor,” Vance said. “What I worry about is the threat from within—the retreat of Europe from some of its most fundamental values.”
Vance voiced concerns over recent actions by European governments and institutions that he believes undermine free expression. He cited examples such as the annulment of an election in Romania, the European Union’s plans to shut down social media during civil unrest, and the prosecution of individuals for expressing dissenting views.
“When we see European courts canceling elections and senior officials threatening to cancel others, we ought to ask whether we’re holding ourselves to an appropriately high standard,” Vance said. “We must do more than talk about democratic values. We must live them.”
He pointed to specific cases of what he termed “censorship overreach” in Europe:
- In Sweden, a Christian activist was convicted for participating in Quran burnings, with a judge ruling that the country’s laws do not provide a “free pass” to offend others.
- In the United Kingdom, a 51-year-old army veteran was fined for silently praying near an abortion clinic under a law restricting actions within “buffer zones.”
- In Scotland, citizens received warnings that private prayer within their homes could be considered illegal if it occurred near abortion facilities.
“Free speech, I fear, is in retreat,” Vance said. “These are not the actions of societies that value liberty and democracy. They are the actions of governments that fear dissent.”
He compared Europe’s current trajectory to the Cold War era, when democratic nations opposed authoritarian regimes that censored dissent, restricted religious freedom, and manipulated elections.
“Thank God, they lost the Cold War,” Vance said. “They lost because they neither valued nor respected the extraordinary blessings of liberty.”
Vance urged European leaders to reaffirm their commitment to free speech, innovation, and creativity, which he argued are essential to a thriving democracy.
“You can’t mandate innovation or creativity, just as you can’t force people what to think, what to feel, or what to believe,” Vance said. “These freedoms are the foundation of our shared values.”
He acknowledged that the United States has faced its own censorship challenges, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He criticized the Biden Administration for pressuring social media companies to suppress what it labeled as “misinformation,” including the lab leak theory about COVID-19’s origins, which has since gained credibility.
“Our own government encouraged private companies to silence people who dared to utter what turned out to be an obvious truth,” Vance said. “But under the Trump Administration, we will do precisely the opposite. We will defend your right to speak your mind, even if we disagree with you.”
Vance concluded by urging European leaders to collaborate with the United States in upholding free speech and democratic values.
“We are on the same team,” he said. “Let’s work together to ensure that the blessings of liberty are preserved for future generations.”
His remarks received a mixed response, with some applauding while others reacted with concern, reflecting the contentious nature of the debate. As Europe continues to navigate the balance between security and freedom, Vance’s speech serves as a reminder of the fundamental role free expression plays in democracy.
