Vice President JD Vance is calling for a major recalibration of America’s role in global defense, urging European nations to step up and take responsibility for their own security instead of relying indefinitely on the United States.
In a recent interview, Vance made it clear that while the U.S. remains committed to its allies, the days of Europe treating America as a permanent military backstop are coming to an end. “Europe cannot continue to function as America’s security vassal,” Vance said. “It’s time for them to invest in their own defense and take their responsibilities seriously.”
Vance specifically called out nations that have failed to meet basic NATO defense spending commitments, with the exception of key partners like the United Kingdom, France, and Poland. He pointed to chronic underinvestment in European militaries and the continent’s habit of depending on U.S. taxpayer dollars to subsidize their national defense.
The Vice President’s message was clear: the United States will no longer enable a one-sided alliance where European nations enjoy American protection while pursuing policies that often contradict U.S. interests and values.
Vance also addressed what he called a growing disconnect between European elites and their own citizens. “European leaders continue to ignore the will of their people—whether on immigration, energy policy, or economic priorities—while still expecting the U.S. to foot the bill for their security,” he said. “That’s not sustainable, and it’s not acceptable.”
His comments come amid tensions over the war in Ukraine and ongoing debates about NATO’s role in the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently criticized the U.S. for allegedly justifying Russian actions, but Vance dismissed the accusation as baseless.
“America has supported Ukraine, but we are not going to be dragged into perpetual conflict,” Vance said. “We must take a strategic approach that protects American interests, ensures regional stability, and avoids endless war.”
The Vice President’s remarks reflect a broader policy shift under President Trump’s administration—one that prioritizes national interest, fair burden-sharing, and a return to responsible foreign policy. Rather than continuing the post–World War II status quo, Vance is helping lead the charge for a modernized alliance structure, where partnerships are based on mutual respect and shared investment.
As Europe faces growing security threats and internal challenges, Vance’s message is a wake-up call: America will always stand with its allies—but not at the expense of its own people or principles.