Democrats Attack Vance

Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) took aim at Vice President Vance following his remarks at the Munich Security Conference, accusing him of “lecturing” European allies about “political tolerance.” Vance’s speech, which focused on the security landscape in Europe, included a sharp warning to European leaders about what he sees as an internal threat to their stability.

During his address, Vance raised concerns about mass migration and censorship across the continent, saying that while the Trump administration was deeply committed to European security, the real danger wasn’t from Russia or China, but from within Europe itself. He emphasized that the threat Europe faces isn’t external but stems from issues like the growing suppression of free speech and political tolerance in the region.

“I worry the most about the threat from within,” Vance stated, adding that European leaders are increasingly allowing a climate where free expression is stifled under the guise of fighting “misinformation” and “disinformation.” He criticized European elites for using these terms as a shield to suppress dissenting voices and alternative viewpoints, even when those opinions might reflect the will of the people.

In response, Connolly struck back, accusing Vance and other members of the Trump administration, including tech mogul Elon Musk, of dismantling vital government agencies and purging employees based on political loyalty. The Virginia Democrat suggested that Vance had no right to lecture European leaders on political tolerance when figures like Trump and Musk have been instrumental in undermining civil institutions in America, including the firing of FBI agents for fulfilling their duties.

Vance also touched on the consequences of unchecked migration, referencing a recent incident in Munich where a migrant drove a car into a crowd. He argued that European voters never consented to the mass migration policies that have led to such incidents. His remarks reflect growing concerns about the dangers posed by unvetted immigration and the broader consequences of liberal immigration policies in Europe.

While Vance’s speech addressed issues critical to the American conservative viewpoint, such as freedom of speech and the preservation of Western values, it did not engage directly with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This omission left some lawmakers, like Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), dissatisfied, noting that the conference would have benefited from a more comprehensive discussion on Ukraine, especially given its importance to European and global security. However, Vance’s remarks resonated with those who see the need to defend Western values from within, not just against external threats.