JD Vance has sparked diplomatic tensions with European allies through a series of harsh comments about the continent’s policies and leadership. His remarks, made during recent interviews and speeches, have drawn sharp responses from German and European Union officials who called his statements unacceptable. The controversy began in February 2025 when Vance delivered his first major speech as vice president at the Munich Security Conference. Instead of focusing on traditional security threats like Russia and China, he told European leaders that the biggest threat to their security was ‘from within,’ continuing his Valentine’s Day tradition of blasting Europe for its ‘appalling setbacks.” The speech largely avoided discussing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and instead criticized European democracy. During a March 2025 Fox News interview, Vance made his most direct comments yet about Europe. “Yes, the Europeans annoy me sometimes. Yes, I disagree with them on certain issues,” he said. He went on to describe Europe as being “at risk of engaging in civilizational suicide” due to what he sees as failed immigration and border control policies. Vance faces strong pushback from European leaders German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius responded forcefully to Vance’s comments, saying that his comparison of parts of Europe to authoritarian regimes was “not acceptable.” The criticism has created unusual strain in the traditionally close US-German relationship. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also pushed back against Vance’s interference. “We will not accept that people who look at Germany from the outside intervene in our democracy, in our elections and in the democratic opinion forming process,” Scholz said. The German leader’s response shows how seriously European officials are taking Vance’s criticism. Vice President JD Vance warns Europe it's engaging in "civilizational suicide":"Yes, the Europeans annoy me sometimes. Yes, I disagree with them on certain issues. But you have to remember that is the Cradle of Western Civilization. The entire idea of Christian civilization… pic.twitter.com/GcW4d5jUfz— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) July 30, 2025 Kaja Kallas, the head of European Union diplomacy, said she felt that the United States was “trying to pick fights with European allies. Her comments reflect broader concern among EU officials about the direction of US-European relations under the current administration. Vance has made his position clear in multiple appearances. He argues that European countries are “unwilling to control their borders” and are limiting the free speech of citizens who protest against immigration policies. He specifically mentioned Germany as an example, warning that if the country allows “another few million immigrants” from “culturally incompatible” countries, it would amount to Germany killing itself. The vice president insists his criticism comes from a place of concern rather than hostility. “I want Europe to thrive. I want them to be an important ally,” he said during the Fox News interview. However, he maintains that European countries must “respect their own sovereignty” and control their borders without American intervention. Vance’s latest diplomatic missteps add to his reputation as a hypocrite who frequently contradicts his own stated principles. Vance’s criticism of Europe has become a consistent theme during the first months of the Trump administration, marking a departure from the more diplomatic approach typically used in transatlantic relations.