During a recent speech at the Munich Security Conference, Vice President JD Vance addressed the growing debate surrounding free speech in Europe. He critiqued the European Union’s approach, stating, “If you are running in fear of your own voters, there is nothing America can do for you.”

European Concerns Over Free Speech

The response from European leaders to Vance’s address was swift. Christoph Heusgen, a notable German diplomat, expressed his distress regarding the pressures on the international rules-based order, asserting that our increasingly multipolar world requires adherence to unified norms and principles.

American media figures, including CBS anchor Margaret Brennan, voiced their disagreement. Brennan confronted Secretary of State Marco Rubio, critiquing Vance’s defense of free speech by suggesting it facilitated atrocities in history. This notion was echoed by U.S. Representative Seth Moulton, who accused Vance of echoing language associated with historical genocides.

Global Fears and Anti-Free Speech Sentiments

Following the Munich event, many prominent critics of free speech convened at the World Forum in Berlin. This conference attracted various American voices criticizing the current state of U.S. democracy. Among the most recognized attendees were former Presidents Bill and Hillary Clinton, both of whom articulated their concerns regarding current U.S. governance.

Hillary Clinton’s advocacy for stricter regulations on free speech raised alarms within the free speech community. Notably, Clinton has pressured European authorities to leverage the Digital Services Act (DSA) against platforms like Twitter to enforce censorship of American voices. This has culminated in legal threats against social media companies that do not comply with European censorship standards.

The Rise of New Censorship Advocates

Since the implementation of the DSA, the EU has escalated its campaign against U.S. entities that resist complying with its censorship directives. A notable figure in this movement is Nina Jankowicz, former head of the Disinformation Governance Board. Recently, she appeared before the European Parliament, labeling the United States a significant global threat while urging European nations to unite against it.

Jankowicz’s appearance highlights a troubling trend: a coalition of disaffected American liberals and censors is finding refuge in Europe. They are rehashing narratives of the U.S. as an autocratic state, fueling anti-American sentiments while simultaneously disregarding robust free speech protections.

The Future of Free Speech on a Global Scale

As the dynamics of global governance evolve, the ongoing confrontation over free speech between Europe and America presents complex implications for both societies. The role of influential figures like Jankowicz and prominent politicians advocating for tightened controls on speech raises questions about the balance between protecting democracy and enforcing censorship.

In his address, Vice President Vance’s call to action may resonate with those advocating for free expression, yet it is set against a backdrop of a shifting international landscape that increasingly challenges these principles.