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Donald Trump (right) and JD Vance (left) on stage before taking their oaths of office during the Inauguration ceremonies in the Rotunda of the US Capitol in Washington on Monday, Jan 20. [Morry Gash, Pool\/AP]<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
During his visit to Europe, US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a blunt and urgent warning: The West must reclaim its strength, innovation, and national sovereignty or risk its own downfall. He declared that the greatest threat isn\u2019t foreign adversaries but the self-inflicted failures of its leaders. In a scathing rebuke, he accused European elites of sabotaging economic security, crippling energy independence, forfeiting sovereignty, and eroding military readiness \u2013 arguing that their reckless policies are weakening the alliance more than any external enemy ever could. Vance challenged them directly, stating: \u201cI\u2019ve heard a lot about what you need to defend yourselves from, and of course that\u2019s important. But what has seemed a little bit less clear to me\u2026 is what exactly it is that you\u2019re defending yourselves for.\u201d Addressing critical global challenges from artificial intelligence to defense and energy, to illegal immigration, he called for bold, decisive leadership to confront the mounting geopolitical threats of our time.<\/p>\n
Vance underscored that artificial intelligence is the future of economic and military competitiveness. Rather than hampering progress with excessive regulations, he urged Western nations to harness AI\u2019s potential to maintain strategic superiority. \u201cAI must be embraced as a force multiplier, not feared as a disruptor,\u201d he stated, warning that adversaries are rapidly advancing while the West debates its own progress.<\/p>\n
A key theme of Vance\u2019s visit was the necessity of energy dominance to fuel the AI revolution and sustain economic resilience. He criticized Europe\u2019s reliance on adversarial nations for energy due to \u201cirresponsible climate policies\u201d that have weakened the continent\u2019s strategic autonomy. He called for a pragmatic approach \u2013 one that prioritizes energy security, innovation, and economic strength over policies that leave the West vulnerable.<\/p>\n
Vance expressed deep concern over the European Union\u2019s increasing censorship policies, warning that restricting free speech under the guise of \u201cdisinformation control\u201d is a grave threat to democracy from within. \u201cA free society cannot exist without free speech,\u201d he declared, urging European leaders to reaffirm their commitment to open discourse and resist the temptation to police thought and opinion.<\/p>\n
The US vice president made it clear that uncontrolled migration poses a direct threat to national security, economic stability, and social cohesion. He called for decisive action to secure borders and enforce immigration laws, arguing that the failure to do so only empowers criminal networks and destabilizes Western societies. \u201cSovereignty begins at the border,\u201d he remarked, encouraging European nations to reclaim control over their migration policies.<\/p>\n
Vance did not shy away from criticizing the EU\u2019s complacency in defense spending, warning that the \u201cpeace dividend spending spree\u201d has left Europe vulnerable. He stressed the importance of NATO members not just meeting but exceeding their defense commitments, advocating for a strategy of \u201cpeace through strength.\u201d \u201cDeterrence is built on capability, not wishful thinking,\u201d he noted, urging a fundamental shift in Europe\u2019s security posture.<\/p>\n
Vice President Vance\u2019s visit was a rallying cry for Europe to embrace strength, reject complacency, and uphold the principles that have long secured peace and prosperity. His message was clear: The West must not retreat \u2013 it must advance with confidence, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to its values.<\/p>\n
Europe and America must abandon the failed policies of overregulation and bureaucratic stagnation. The AI revolution must be accelerated, not stifled. Energy dominance must be restored. Free speech must be defended at all costs. Borders must be secured. Defense commitments must be exceeded and honored with unwavering resolve.<\/p>\n
The time for complacency is over. Only through strength, innovation, a commitment to defend national sovereignty, and a steadfast dedication to our shared values can the West prevail in the battles ahead.<\/p>\n
Commander Demetries Grimes is a combat decorated former US Navy commander, aviator and diplomat. He has served as US naval attache to Israel and Greece, deputy commander of the US base in Crete, secretary of defense executive fellow, and Russia-Ukraine adviser to NATO\u2019s Maritime Commander in London, UK.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n