Vice President J.D. Vance wasted no time making his stance clear as he took the stage at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday morning.
Energized by the receptive crowd, he delivered a passionate speech that built on the tough rhetoric he had used just a week prior at the Munich Security Conference.
Flashing smiles, pumping his fist, and engaging with the MAGA-friendly audience, Vance embraced the moment in a style reminiscent of Donald Trump.
Event organizer Mercedes Schlapp moderated the discussion, questioning the vice president about key global issues, including the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, the political climate in Europe, and the Biden administration’s approach in contrast to Trump’s leadership.
It didn’t take long for Vance to shift his focus to one of his central themes—his growing concerns over Europe’s approach to free speech.
The Divide Between the U.S. and Europe on Free Speech
Vance didn’t hold back as he criticized certain European nations for their stance on censorship.
He argued that America’s historical alliances with Europe could weaken if fundamental values like freedom of speech are not upheld on both sides of the Atlantic.
Pointing to restrictive online censorship laws in the European Union, he warned that such measures could drive a wedge between Europe and the U.S. under Trump’s leadership.
“We’re going to continue having important alliances with Europe,” Vance stated.
“But the strength of those alliances depends on whether our societies move in the right direction. Friendship is built on shared values.”
The vice president went on to illustrate what he sees as fundamental differences, citing examples like jailing individuals for advocating border security, canceling elections due to unfavorable results—specifically calling out Romania—and silencing citizens through censorship.
Europe’s Reliance on U.S. Defense
Another major point in Vance’s speech was Europe’s dependency on American military support.
He argued that American taxpayers should not be expected to bankroll the defense of nations that do not align with U.S. values.
“Germany’s entire defense is subsidized by the American taxpayer,” Vance said.
“We have thousands of troops stationed there, yet if someone posts a mean tweet in Germany, they could be jailed.
Do you really think Americans are going to continue tolerating that?”
His comments underscored a broader push for European nations to take more responsibility for their own defense, aligning with Trump’s long-standing argument that the U.S. should not bear the financial burden of protecting allies who do not reciprocate its values.
Promoting Peace Through Strength
Despite his tough words on Europe, Vance emphasized that he and Trump are working toward making their administration the most peace-driven in modern history.
He claimed that under their leadership, peace in Europe is closer than at any point during Joe Biden’s presidency.
“It’s going to take a smart statesman to navigate this,” he said.
“But we have that in the White House now, and I truly believe we’re on the verge of achieving peace in Europe for the first time in years.”
Vance reassured the audience that Trump remains committed to de-escalating conflicts worldwide and branded him as the ‘president of peace.’
Pushing for a Ukraine-Russia Peace Deal
On the subject of the ongoing war in Ukraine, Vance made it clear that securing peace is in the best interest of all involved—especially the American people.
He argued that ending the conflict would benefit Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. alike.
“Trump’s goal is simple: he wants the killing to stop,” Vance declared.
“A peace deal with Russia and Ukraine serves everyone’s interests, but most importantly, it serves the American people.”
He assured the audience that Trump would push for peace in every conflict zone for the remainder of his presidency.
A Warning to Ukraine’s President
Vance’s sharp criticism of Europe wasn’t limited to his CPAC speech.
Just a day earlier, he issued a direct warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging him to be cautious with his remarks about Trump.
This came in response to Zelensky accusing Trump of being influenced by Russian disinformation.
With tensions running high, Vance’s remarks signal a shift in how the U.S. plans to engage with its European allies under Trump’s leadership.
As the administration pushes for a resolution in Ukraine and reevaluates its role in global conflicts, the coming months could bring significant changes to America’s foreign policy approach.
What’s Next?
As Vance and Trump continue to reshape America’s stance on international relations, the world is watching closely.
Will Europe adjust its policies to align more closely with U.S. expectations, or will the divide grow wider?
With a renewed emphasis on peace and a hard stance on values, the next four years could define America’s role on the global stage in a way not seen in decades.
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