The War on Free Speech

For those who regularly read my blog, you know that I rarely get into politics, but one of the global trends that has been most alarming to me has been the slow but steady decline of free speech across the supposed democratic West. People are being arrested for forwarding memes. Governments are shutting down websites or platforms for taking contrary positions to government mandates. It’s insane.

I am an advocate for collaboration. One common phrase that I use (sometimes referred to as a Buckleyism) is “The more people participate in the process, the more likely people will support that process” which remains true, in my experience, even if people do not get exactly what they want. Whether or not we agree with others, we should not impede their ability to share their ideas and perspectives and use their voices. In fact, I will fight for the right of anyone to think and say things that I may vehemently disagree with. But what we are seeing around the world are government efforts to shut down, directly or indirectly, the free speech of individuals who do not agree with their government’s positions. This is wrong.

Earlier today, Vice President JD Vance’s speech at the Munich Security Summit was a bold and unapologetic challenge to Europe’s political establishment, underscoring a populist and nationalist vision for the future of U.S.-Europe relations. Framing his remarks around the erosion of democratic values, free speech, and national sovereignty, Vance warned against the growing power of centralized EU policies, mass migration, and political censorship. Positioning the Trump administration as a staunch defender of open dialogue and national self-determination, he criticized European leaders for ignoring voter concerns and suppressing dissent under the guise of combating “misinformation.”

His remarks signaled a shift in transatlantic priorities—one that urges Europe to take greater responsibility for its own defense while aligning policies more closely with the will of the people. As the debate over democracy, security, and sovereignty intensifies, Vance’s speech serves as a defining moment in the evolving relationship between the U.S. and its European allies.

Here are the primary takeaways from VP Vance’s speech today:

1. Emphasis on Shared Democratic Values

• Vance highlighted the importance of shared values between the U.S. and Europe but expressed concern about what he sees as Europe’s retreat from fundamental democratic principles.
• He criticized European governments for actions that, in his view, suppress free speech, religious expression, and democratic participation.

2. Criticism of European Censorship and Election Interference

• Vance pointed to recent events in Romania, where he claimed an election was annulled due to intelligence agency influence.
• He warned against what he perceives as increasing censorship, mentioning EU regulations on social media, law enforcement actions against online speech, and religious restrictions in the UK and Sweden.
• He questioned whether Europe is truly upholding democracy if elections are being overturned and citizens are silenced.

3. U.S. Support for Free Speech Under the Trump Administration

• He positioned the Trump administration as defenders of free speech, contrasting it with the prior Biden administration, which he accused of pressuring social media companies to censor dissent.
• Vance stated that the U.S. under Trump would fight to defend free expression, even when they disagree with the views being expressed.

4. Criticism of Political Elites and the Suppression of Populist Movements

• Vance accused European elites of using terms like “misinformation” and “disinformation” to silence political opponents.
• He criticized the Munich Security Conference for barring lawmakers from populist parties, arguing that open dialogue is essential in a democracy.

5. Democracy as a Core Security Principle

• He argued that the most fundamental security issue is not external threats like Russia or China but the internal erosion of democratic legitimacy.
• He stressed that leaders must listen to their people rather than trying to suppress or dismiss their concerns.
• He warned that democracy cannot survive if governments continue to ignore or stifle public opinion on issues like migration, economic challenges, and free speech.

His speech was a direct challenge to European political elites, advocating for stronger democratic accountability, free speech protections, and policy changes that align with populist sentiment across Europe. It is a must-watch.

Here is his full speech: