Summary

At the Munich Security Conference, JD Vance criticized European leaders for suppressing free speech, mishandling migration, and ignoring populist concerns.

He questioned whether Europe’s values still aligned with America’s and warned of a “threat from within,” rather than Russia or China.

His speech, which largely avoided discussing Ukraine, shocked attendees and drew condemnation from EU and German officials but was praised by Russian state media.

Vance’s private meeting with Germany’s far-right AfD leader and his dismissal of mainstream politicians further deepened tensions between the U.S. and Europe.