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We have special relationships with our friends in the UK and some European allies. However, there have been infringements on free speech that affect not just the British, which is their business, but also American tech companies and citizens. This is something we'll discuss. We've had free speech for a long time in the UK, and it will continue. We wouldn't want to overreach with US citizens, and we don't. I'm very proud of our history of free speech in the UK.

I heard JD's speech, and he spoke about freedom of speech. It's true; Europe is losing its freedom of speech. I thought it was a brilliant speech. Europe has to be careful. He also addressed immigration, and Europe definitely has a big immigration problem. Just look at what's happening with crime in various parts of Europe. I thought his speech was very well received. I've heard very good remarks about it.

The speaker argues that Jews have thrived and remain safe only when liberal values dominate, the core values of liberal democratic society. The Trump administration is described as a substantial and dangerous regression from those values. Additionally, the administration’s attitude toward immigration, specifically Mexican immigration and Latin American immigration, is labeled a scandal.

In Germany, insulting someone in public or online is a crime, with online insults potentially incurring higher fines due to their permanence. Even reposting untrue statements can be considered a crime. Authorities are actively curbing online hate speech, as demonstrated by coordinated raids targeting individuals posting racist content. Despite growing concerns over migration and related issues, there's a lack of political will to address these problems effectively. The focus seems to be on prosecuting opinion crimes rather than deporting criminals. My party, the AFD, faces persecution despite being a major opposition force. We're smeared as Nazis and right-wing extremists, but this isn't true. Free speech is eroding, with new laws targeting online expression. People risk punishment for criticizing mass migration. Even if the AFD performs well in elections, other parties may refuse to cooperate, maintaining a firewall against us. It is time to vote to make Germany great again.

Germany's defense relies on American taxpayers, and we still have many troops stationed there. But will Americans keep footing the bill if you're jailed in Germany for a tweet? I doubt it. To our European friends: friendship means sharing values. But jailing people for wanting border security, rejecting election results, or silencing those you fear? That's not shared values.

We value our special relationship with the UK and our European allies. However, we are aware of infringements on free speech that impact not only the British but also American tech companies and, by extension, American citizens. We don't believe in censoring speech, but we must address serious issues like terrorism and child exploitation. I discussed this with the Vice President today, and we had a productive conversation. He is right to champion free speech. We also champion free speech in the UK. Regarding the measures we've taken, we are very mindful of ensuring they do not negatively impact US citizens.

Europe has changed dramatically, and there is no freedom of speech anymore. Pavlov, the head of Telegram, was removed from his airplane in France. Thierry Breton, chairman of the European Commission, allegedly threatened Elon Musk with criminal and civil prosecution if he interviewed Donald Trump live on X spaces. Brazil censored Twitter and other social media sites three weeks ago. This rise of censorship and totalitarianism is occurring worldwide. The only hope to prevent that in the U.S. is Donald Trump; otherwise, this is what will happen if Kamala gets in.

Speaker 0 argues that free speech is not a free fall in Europe, contending that two anti free speech movements have coalesced. One movement is in Europe, which has “laid waste to free speech” in countries such as Germany, France, and England, and also in places like Canada. The other movement is described as the US anti-free-speech movement, which began in higher education and then metastasized throughout the government, but which has “all reached our shores now.” The speaker notes that the Berlin World Forum followed remarks on free speech by Vice President Vance, and that the EU was “red hot.” They describe the forum as “the most anti free speech gathering I’ve ever been part of,” with only two attendees from the free speech community, but those present are “committed.” Hillary Clinton is identified as being there and said to have fueled the anger. A key claim is that when Twitter was purchased by Elon Musk, Clinton called on the EU to use the Digital Services Act, described as “one of the most anti free speech pieces of decades,” to force censorship of American citizens and to compel people like Musk to censor. The speaker characterizes this as “an extraordinary act by someone who was once a presidential candidate in The United States,” and asserts that Clinton’s position reflects a commitment to censorship. The speaker further claims that after the World Forum, this effort was globalized, and that they are “threatening companies like ACTS with ruinous fines unless they resume censoring American citizens.” The overall message emphasizes a belief that anti free speech forces are expanding globally, using regulatory tools such as the Digital Services Act to compel censorship and penalize platforms that do not comply, with the World Forum acting as a catalyst for broader international pressure.

It's great to be back in Germany, a place I've always loved. My heart goes out to Munich after yesterday's attack; we're thinking of you and praying for you. We're here to talk about security, but the biggest threat to Europe isn't external, it's internal. It's the retreat from our shared values. We see European courts canceling elections and officials threatening to do the same. We need to live our democratic values, not just talk about them. I worry when I see the EU wanting to shut down social media or countries like Sweden punishing people for offending religious groups, or the UK prosecuting silent prayer. The Trump administration will defend your right to speak your mind. Don't be afraid of your own voters. Listen to them, even when you disagree. That's the magic of democracy.

We must not be afraid to tell the truth that Donald Trump is a threat to democracy in America. We need to stop him at the ballot box.

I disagree with the assertion that free speech was used to conduct the Nazi genocide. The genocide was carried out by an authoritarian regime that hated Jews and minorities; there was no free speech in Nazi Germany. The point of the speech in question was that there is an erosion of free speech and intolerance for opposing points of view within Europe. This is eroding the values that bind us together in this transatlantic union. Allies and partners should be able to speak frankly to one another in open forums without being offended. Many foreign ministers may not have agreed with the speech, but they continued to engage with us on issues that unite us. This forum is meant to invite people to give speeches, not to be a chorus where everyone is saying the same thing.

Here is my response: I must comment on the US Vice President's speech, particularly his questioning of European democracy. Our motto, "We fight for your right to be against us," exemplifies the democracy he calls into question. This isn't the Europe I know, where every opinion matters, even those of extremist parties. We allow Russian propaganda media and answer their questions. However, democracy doesn't mean a vocal minority dictates truth. It defends itself against those who would destroy it. I disagree with the Vice President's suggestion that our democracies oppress minorities. We defend our countries for democracy, freedom of opinion, the rule of law, and the dignity of all. Now, shifting to European and transatlantic security, the US is pushing for a swift peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, expecting Europe to secure any resulting agreement.

We've seen police raids against citizens suspected of posting anti-feminist comments online, framed as combating misogyny. I must address the US Vice President's speech. Our motto in the Bundeswehr is "We fight for your right to be against us," and it represents our democracy. The Vice President questioned this democracy, not just in Germany, but across Europe, likening Europe's condition to authoritarian regimes. Early Tuesday morning, we accompanied state police as they raided an apartment in Northwest Germany. Six armed officers searched the suspect's home, seizing his laptop and cell phone. Prosecutors allege these electronics were used to post a racist cartoon online. Simultaneously, over 50 similar raids occurred across Germany, part of a coordinated effort to curb online hate speech.

We have special relationships with our friends in the UK and some European allies. However, there have been infringements on free speech that affect not just the British, which is their business, but also American tech companies and citizens, so that is something we will be discussing. We've had free speech for a very long time in the United Kingdom, and it will last for a very long time. We wouldn't want to reach across US citizens, and we don't, that's absolutely right. Speaking of free speech in the UK, I'm very proud of our history. We discussed what is so.

Innovation and creativity cannot be forced, much like thoughts and beliefs. Looking at Europe, it's concerning to see actions like EU commissars threatening to shut down social media for "hateful content," police raids for "anti-feminist" comments, and the conviction of a Christian activist for Quran burnings. Even more alarming is the UK, where a man was charged for silently praying near an abortion clinic, and Scotland warned citizens that private prayer within their homes could be illegal. Free speech is retreating across Europe. Ironically, the loudest voices for censorship sometimes come from my own country. The prior administration bullied social media companies to censor "misinformation," like the lab leak theory of the coronavirus. In Washington, under Donald Trump's leadership, we will defend your right to speak freely, even if we disagree with your views.

Germany's defense is subsidized by American taxpayers, who won't tolerate Americans being jailed in Germany for posting a "mean tweet." Friendship is based on shared values, which are absent when people are jailed for advocating border closures. Shared values are also absent when elections are canceled due to disliked results, as happened in Romania. Silencing and shutting up one's own people indicates a lack of shared values.

Learn from Europe's mistakes as Islam has already arrived in America. Be resilient and fight for your freedom against Islam to prevent America from becoming the next Europe. Additionally, I urge Americans to reelect President Donald J. Trump as it is of utmost importance.

I must address the US Vice President's recent speech questioning the state of European democracy. His comparison of Europe to authoritarian regimes is unacceptable. In our democracy, every opinion is heard, even those of extremist parties. We even allow media that spread Russian propaganda. However, democracy doesn't mean a minority dictates truth, nor does it allow unchecked speech. We defend our democracy daily against internal and external threats. I strongly disagree with the Vice President's suggestion that our democracies oppress minorities. We know what we defend: democracy, freedom of opinion, the rule of law, and the dignity of all. Unlike the Vice President, I want to focus on European and transatlantic security. Recent events confirm the US is pushing for a quick peace settlement between Russia and Ukraine, expecting Europe to secure any resulting agreement.

I recall that an EU official sent Elon Musk a threatening letter, suggesting he'd be arrested if he platforms Donald Trump, who may be the next US president. America should insist that if NATO wants our continued support, it must respect American values, especially free speech. It's crazy to support a military alliance that isn't pro-free speech. We can support NATO and promote free speech, but American power comes with expectations. European allies should share our values, particularly regarding basic principles like free speech. I wouldn't impose our values on just any country, but European nations should align with American values, especially on fundamental issues like free speech.

The future of Western civilization is in the balance. In Europe, political opposition is being jailed and free speech is under assault. Republicans and conservatives believe the fundamental values and tenants of Western civilization that the country has been built on are under assault. The November election was the beginning of the pushback on that assault, but it's not over.

With Donald Trump leading the United States, we will never see another Afghanistan. We need border, energy, economic, food, defense, and national security, because if you are not secure, you are not free. That's why conservatives are growing and becoming more influential in European politics, making the left nervous. Unlike when Bill Clinton and Tony Blair created a global leftist network, conservatives are now collaborating globally, which some see as a threat. Despite the attacks against us, people vote for us because they are not naive. We defend freedom, love our nations, want secure borders, protect businesses, and defend family and life. We fight against wokeism, protect our faith and free speech, and stand for common sense.

**Speaker 2 (Michael Shellenberger):** Many of us were shocked by Vance's speech, but I think it's long overdue. Americans deeply value freedom of speech, and we question our alliance when European judges try to censor our speech and social media platforms. America is tired of being the world's police officer, and our patience is tested when Europe seems to turn against enlightenment values like free speech. The only solution to misinformation is accurate information through free debate. **Speaker 3 (Natalie Tucci):** I don't believe there has been an erosion of free speech in Europe, and I don't think what we heard from the US Vice President has much to do with free speech. Vance's rhetoric sounds like the Russian playbook, turning arguments about democracy on their head. His meeting with Alice Weidel suggests election interference and support for far-right parties, which could end liberal democracy and European integration.

Populism is democracy, not a threat. Elites use it as a slur. Populism represents ordinary people against the elite. Various populist movements worldwide show people's concerns being ignored by the establishment. The real threat to democracy comes from elites colluding with big business, big tech, and mainstream media to silence dissenting voices. Democracy without free speech is not democracy. The solution is for elites to listen to and work for ordinary people. Thank you. Translation: Populism is democracy, not a threat. Elites use it as a slur. Populism represents ordinary people against the elite. Various populist movements worldwide show people's concerns being ignored by the establishment. The real threat to democracy comes from elites colluding with big business, big tech, and mainstream media to silence dissenting voices. Democracy without free speech is not democracy. The solution is for elites to listen to and work for ordinary people. Thank you.

Allowing citizens to speak freely makes them stronger. This brings me to Munich, where conference organizers banned lawmakers from populist parties on both the left and the right. We don't have to agree with everything, but when political leaders represent a constituency, we should engage in dialogue. To many, it appears that entrenched interests are hiding behind terms like misinformation and disinformation. They dislike the idea of alternative viewpoints, different opinions, or, even worse, different election outcomes.

Europe is the cradle of Western civilization, and the cultural and religious bonds between it and the U.S. will last beyond political disagreements. However, Europe is at risk of civilizational suicide. Many European countries are unable or unwilling to control their borders, but they are starting to push back, which is good. They are also starting to limit the free speech of their own citizens, even as those citizens protest against border issues. Europe needs to respect its own people and sovereignty, something America can't do for them. If a country like Germany takes in millions of immigrants who are culturally incompatible, Germany will have killed itself. The speaker loves Germany and wants it to thrive.