Vance Slams Europe on Free Speech, Migration

The vice president warned European officials against illegal migration, stating voters didn't choose to open 'floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants'

- Associated Press

MUNICH: Vice President JD Vance lectured European officials on free speech and illegal migration on the continent during his remarks on Friday before the Munich Security Conference, warning elected officials that they risk losing public support if they don't quickly change course.

"If you're running in fear of your own voters there's nothing America can do for you," the vice president said.

Vance's speech, and his passing mention of the 3-year-old Russia-Ukraine conflict, came at a time of intense concern and uncertainty over the Trump administration's foreign policy.

"In Washington, there is a new sheriff in town. And under Donald Trump's leadership, we may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to offer it in the public square," Vance said to tepid applause.

The vice president also warned the European officials against illegal migration, saying that the electorate didn't vote to open "floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants" and referencing an attack on Thursday in Munich where the suspect is a 24-year-old Afghan who arrived in Germany as an asylum-seeker in 2016.