‘If we survived Greta Thunberg, Europe can survive Elon Musk’: JD Vance’s sarcastic jibe
US Vice President JD Vance defended billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, dismissing allegations of election interference and likening Musk’s influence to that of Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. “If American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg’s scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk,” he remarked. His comments came amid sharp disagreements between the United States and European allies over immigration, free speech, and populism.
Vance launched a scathing critique of European policies, asserting that the greatest threat to democracy in Europe comes from within rather than external adversaries like Russia or China. His remarks drew sharp reactions from European leaders, particularly in Germany, which is days away from a crucial election.
“There is a new sheriff in town under Donald Trump’s leadership,” Vance declared, reinforcing the administration’s hardline stance on issues such as border security and ideological battles over free speech.
Vance’s speech came amid heightened tensions between the United States and European allies over defence spending, trade, and governance. He criticised European leaders for allegedly suppressing dissenting voices, saying, “We may disagree with your views, but we will fight to defend your right to offer it in the public square. Agree or disagree.”
Specifically targeting Germany, which faces elections on February 23, Vance urged European countries to “change course” on immigration. He linked his concerns to a recent attack in Munich, where a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker allegedly rammed a car into a crowd, injuring 36 people.
“How many times must we suffer these appalling setbacks before we change course and take our shared civilisation in a new direction?” Vance questioned. “An asylum seeker, often a young man in his mid-20s already known to police, rams a car into a crowd and shatters a community.”
His remarks also touched on the political landscape in Germany, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is expected to make significant electoral gains. He argued that mainstream European parties should not isolate right-wing anti-immigration groups, stating, “No voter on this continent went to the ballot box to open the floodgates to millions of unvetted immigrants.”
Vance’s comments sparked backlash from the German government, with spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit warning against foreign interference in Germany’s internal affairs. “Outsiders should not be meddling in the internal affairs of a friendly country,” Hebestreit said, adding that those making such statements “may not have a full overview of the political debate.”
