Overview

• Vice President JD Vance emphasized that it is not in the interests of Europe or the U.S. for Europe to remain a 'permanent security vassal' of the United States.
• Vance criticized European nations for underinvesting in their defense infrastructure, which he says has been subsidized by the U.S. for decades.
• He argued that a more independent Europe could have helped prevent strategic missteps like the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, citing insufficient European opposition at the time.
• Drawing from historical precedent, Vance invoked Charles de Gaulle’s advocacy for European military independence as a model for strategic autonomy.
• While critical of European security policies, Vance expressed admiration for European culture and its influence on American identity, framing his stance as one of constructive critique.