Written by Mark Whitfield.
America is watching in disbelief as Europe drifts away from the democratic principles it once claimed to hold dear. Vice President JD Vance delivered a blunt speech in Germany, making it clear that the United States finds Europe’s actions alarming. The continent, he argued, is turning toward censorship and abandoning freedom rather than defending democracy. Instead of addressing threats from adversaries like Russia and China, Europe is becoming its own worst enemy.
Vance pointed to a series of troubling events: an annulled election in Romania, threats of censorship on social media under the guise of policing “hateful content,” and even Christians arrested simply for praying in public. These examples, he said, should be concerning to anyone who values free expression and political fairness. For years, the justification for U.S. support of Europe has been a shared belief in democracy and freedom. But if European governments start suppressing speech and elections, Americans must question whether these shared values still exist.
The Lessons of the Cold War Are Being Ignored
Recalling the Cold War, Vance emphasized that the battle was fought between those who defended liberty and those who sought to crush it. The Soviet Union lost because it refused to embrace free thought and innovation, both of which are necessary for a thriving society. Now, some European governments seem to be repeating those same mistakes, choosing control over openness.
He drew attention to the censorship of dissidents, restrictions on religious expression, and government interference in democratic processes. These tactics were once the hallmark of oppressive regimes, yet today they are becoming normalized in Western Europe. If Europe continues down this path, it risks losing the very freedoms that made it prosperous in the first place.
A New Approach Under Trump’s Leadership
Vance made it clear that there is a shift happening in Washington. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States will not follow Europe’s path toward censorship and government overreach. Instead, the administration is committed to protecting free speech and ensuring democratic principles remain intact.
He assured the audience that the Trump administration will reject the kind of suppression that has taken hold in parts of Europe. Unlike the Biden administration, which he accused of stifling dissent, Trump’s team will prioritize the defense of individual rights. While his words were met with silence from most in the room, they carried a clear message: the United States is moving in a different direction.
The speech barely touched on the Ukraine War, despite the expectations of European leaders at the event. Instead, Vance focused on the broader issue of freedom and democracy, underscoring the Trump administration’s belief that Europe’s internal policies are just as critical as external threats. If Europe cannot uphold its own democratic values, how can it be trusted to stand against authoritarian regimes elsewhere?
Our Take
Europe’s growing embrace of censorship and government control is deeply troubling. The very countries that once stood as strongholds of democracy now seem to be turning their backs on the principles that made them great. Whether it’s suppressing free speech, interfering with elections, or targeting religious groups, these actions do not align with the values the West has long championed.
What’s even more concerning is the lack of outrage. Instead of pushing back against these authoritarian tendencies, many European leaders appear content to let them continue. This should be a warning sign for the United States. If Europe refuses to stand up for free expression and democratic integrity, America must reconsider how closely it aligns itself with these so-called allies.
The Trump administration’s approach is a necessary correction. Free speech and democracy cannot be selectively defended. If European leaders truly want to uphold the principles they claim to believe in, they need to take a hard look at their own policies. Otherwise, they risk becoming the very thing they once stood against.
