Vice President Vance Criticizes Germany's Free Speech Policies, Suggests U.S. Troop Withdrawal

Speaking at CPAC, JD Vance linked Germany's hate speech laws to American military support, questioning the alignment of shared democratic values.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized Germany's restrictions on free speech, including bans on Holocaust denial, during a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
Vance suggested that the U.S. could reconsider its military presence in Germany, arguing that American taxpayers may not support funding the defense of a country with such policies.
Germany currently hosts approximately 35,000 U.S. troops, a legacy of post-World War II commitments and Cold War strategies.
Vance's comments follow earlier criticisms at the Munich Security Conference, where he accused European leaders of undermining democracy through censorship and migration policies.
German officials have refrained from directly responding to Vance's remarks but reiterated their commitment to democratic principles and European security.