BERLIN — U.S. Vice President JD Vance has expressed concerns over Germany’s free speech regulations during a recent gathering of conservatives near Washington, D.C. He specifically addressed the country’s restrictions on hate speech, suggesting that these limitations could affect American service members stationed there.
German law enforces various boundaries on freedom of expression, including long-established prohibitions against Holocaust denial and the glorification of Nazi-era actions. These regulations aim to combat extremism and prevent incitement, leading to authorities monitoring online platforms for hate speech and taking legal action against individuals who allegedly share or promote such content.
“There are thousands upon thousands of American troops in Germany today. Do you think that the American taxpayer is going to stand for that if you get thrown in jail in Germany for posting a mean tweet? Of course, they’re not,” Vance remarked at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday, addressing the activists present.
The United States maintains a military presence across Germany, with bases including the prominent Ramstein Air Base, as noted by U.S. European Command.
Vance’s comments came shortly after he spoke at the Munich Security Conference, where he outlined concerns about democracy and free speech within Europe. His comments received criticism from various European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“Obviously we’re going to continue to have important alliances with Europe,” Vance stated in his conversation with CPAC moderator Mercedes Schlapp. “But I really do think the strength of those alliances is going to depend on whether we take our societies in the right direction.”
Additionally, Vance emphasized the financial aspect, claiming that “Germany’s entire defense is subsidized by the American taxpayers,” highlighting the interconnectedness of the U.S. military support in Europe and the implications of domestic policies in host countries.
