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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.

A huge and horrifying percentage of young people think it's okay to shoot people you disagree with, to kill Nazis for saying things they don't like. Why do they believe that? Yeah. Probably. But what it really is Is twelve and then sixteen years of indoctrination in our schools at the hands of people who tell them that who say exactly what the attorney general just said well there's free speech which of course we all acknowledge is important so so important. But then there's this thing called hate speech. Hate speech, of course, is any speech that the people in power hate, but they don't define it that way. They define it as speech that hurts people, speech that is tantamount to violence. Any attempt to impose hate speech laws in this country, and trust me, there are a lot of people who would like them. That's got to be the red line.

I was very disappointed by the speech given by Vice President JD Vance at the conference yesterday. Our allies needed to hear a renewed commitment from America to NATO and our European partners. They needed to know that we are willing to stand up to the Kremlin and provide Ukraine with the help it needs to fight Russia's war. Instead, they got a condescending lecture that attacked our allies. The speech sent the wrong message and I believe it was enthusiastically greeted in the Kremlin.

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.

I told a Jewish audience they've been disliked for 3000 years, urging self-reflection. I suggested their behavior led to persecution, including Auschwitz. Some were offended, but I meant it as a helpful, introspective message. They never asked why they were disliked, perpetuating a cycle of persecution. My answer may have been harsh, but it aimed to prompt self-analysis. This approach might not be well-received in Germany or Canada. I believe it was not anti-Semitic, but a call for self-examination.

Well, there's free speech, but then there's also hate speech, and woe to those who engage in it because it's a crime. That's a lie, and it's a lie that denies the humanity of the people you're telling it about. And so any attempt to impose hate speech laws in this country, and trust me, there are a lot of people who would like them. There are a lot of people who'd like to codify their own beliefs by punishing those under The US code who disagree with their beliefs. Any attempt to do that is a denial of the humanity of American citizens and cannot be allowed under any circumstances. That's got to be the red line.

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.

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.

The speaker expresses concern about the shift in the left's stance on free speech, noting that censorship goes against the principles of the First Amendment. They highlight the importance of free speech, citing the historical context of countries where speaking freely was not allowed. The speaker mentions that speech laws in some countries, like England and France, are more restrictive. They argue that even though they find certain speech abhorrent, it should still be protected under free speech. The speaker emphasizes the need to protect free speech, as censorship can eventually affect everyone.

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.

It's great to be back in Germany. Our thoughts are with Munich after yesterday's attack. We're here to discuss security, but the biggest threat to Europe is internal: a retreat from shared values with the U.S. We see European courts canceling elections and officials threatening to do the same. We must live our democratic values, unlike those who censored dissidents during the Cold War. I see threats to free speech across Europe, including the UK, where silent prayer near abortion clinics is criminalized. The Trump administration will defend your right to speak freely. If your democracy can be destroyed by a few digital ads, it wasn't strong to begin with. We must engage in dialogue with all political leaders, even those with whom we disagree. Dismissing voters or shutting down media destroys democracy. We must address mass migration, a pressing challenge resulting from conscious political decisions. Don't be afraid to embrace what your people tell you, even when it's surprising.

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.

"A human being with a soul, a free man, has a right to say what he believes, not to hurt other people, but to express his views." "that thinking that she just articulated on camera there is exactly what got us to a place where some huge and horrifying percentage of young people think it's okay to shoot people you disagree with, to kill Nazis for saying things they don't like." "Well, there's free speech which of course we all acknowledge is important so so important." "But then there's this thing called hate speech." "Hate speech, of course, is any speech that the people in power hate, but they don't define it that way." "They define it as speech that hurts people, speech that is tantamount to violence." "And we punish violence, don't we? Of course, we do."

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.

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 was in DACA for seventeen months after the war as a US department attorney and can state that there was no gas chamber in Dachau, nor was there a gas chamber at any of the other concentration camps in Germany." "no document has been found that proves that a plan for Jewish extermination by the third Reich was ever contemplated. Expulsion, yes, but extermination, no." "The Holocaust narrative is used to strengthen Jewish identity simultaneously as undermining, demonizing, and delegitimizing white European identity." "The Holocaust narrative is primarily used to discourage policies such as nationalism and instead promote globalism and multiculturalism in the Western world." "Any criticism against the Jews or the Jewish State of Israel had practically been outlawed." "The mere fact that Holocaust denial laws in Europe exist should raise an eyebrow." "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression."

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.

**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.

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.

Nazis were enemies of communism, which killed hundreds of millions. The claim that Hitler killed 6,000,000 Jews is untrue and a fabrication. According to the speaker, spending time researching revisionist sources online will show that evidence contradicts the emotional backing for the claim that 6,000,000 Jews were wickedly killed in gas chambers by the Nazis. The speaker asserts that all the emotion is on one side, while all the evidence is on the other.