U.S. Vice President JD Vance accused European leaders on Friday of suppressing free speech and failing to control immigration, prompting a strong rebuttal from German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. The exchange overshadowed discussions on the Ukraine war at the Munich Security Conference.
The conference was expected to focus on peace talks following a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Vance barely mentioned Russia or Ukraine in his speech, instead highlighting what he saw as Europe’s biggest threats—restrictions on free speech and “out of control” immigration.
Pistorius later condemned Vance’s comments as “unacceptable,” saying they undermined democracy in Germany and across Europe.
This confrontation highlighted the deep divisions between Trump’s administration and European leaders, making it difficult for the U.S. and Europe to align on key issues, including Ukraine.
Muted Reception to Vance’s Speech
Many in the audience listened to Vance in stunned silence, with little applause following his remarks. After his speech, Vance met with Alice Weidel, leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party—a move likely to be seen as interference ahead of Germany’s upcoming elections.
Trump’s recent conversation with Putin has alarmed European governments, which have sought to isolate the Russian leader since Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. They fear being sidelined in any U.S.-Russia peace talks that could impact their security.
Ukraine Discussions and Security Concerns
Vance met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy but provided no details of their discussion. Zelenskiy reiterated that Ukraine needs “real security guarantees” and would only engage with Putin once a coordinated plan with Trump and European leaders is in place.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned against imposing a peace deal on Ukraine, stating:
“A sham peace, imposed without involving Ukrainians and Europeans, would achieve nothing.”
Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, justifying its invasion as a response to Kyiv’s NATO aspirations, which Ukraine and the West dismiss as imperialist expansionism.
Europe Must Invest More in Defense
Vance reiterated Trump’s stance that Europe must take greater responsibility for its own defense to allow the U.S. to focus on other regions, particularly the Indo-Pacific.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed, stating:
“We need to grow up in this sense and spend much more on our defense.”
Several European leaders echoed this sentiment but emphasized the need for a gradual transition away from U.S. security support.
AfD Ties and Elon Musk’s Endorsement
Vance’s meeting with the AfD leader is expected to stir controversy, as Germany’s major parties have refused to cooperate with the far-right group, which is under surveillance for suspected extremism.
AfD currently polls at around 20% ahead of Germany’s February 23 election.
U.S. billionaire Elon Musk, a key financial backer of Trump’s 2024 campaign and head of Trump’s government spending task force, has also publicly endorsed AfD.
