JD Vance to Europe: Time to End the Age of American Military Dependence
In his first major European media appearance as Vice President, JD Vance delivered a striking rebuke of the post-World War II security order, declaring that Europe can no longer expect to remain a “permanent security vassal” of the United States. Speaking with UK outlet UnHerd, Vance outlined a vision of strategic recalibration—one that has been long championed by President Donald Trump.
“Europe’s Defense Has Been Subsidized by the U.S. for My Entire Life”
Vance’s blunt assessment underscored a key theme of the Trump administration’s foreign policy: burden-sharing must be real, not rhetorical.
“The reality is—it’s blunt to say it, but it’s also true—that Europe’s entire security infrastructure, for my entire life, has been subsidized by the United States of America,” Vance said.
He went on to name only three European countries—the UK, France, and Poland—as possessing sufficiently independent defense capabilities, citing the rest as dangerously reliant on the American security umbrella.
NATO: Trump’s Pressure Builds
President Trump has consistently argued that the current NATO funding model is outdated and unsustainable. In February, he made headlines by stating that the U.S. would not necessarily come to the aid of NATO countries that fail to meet their obligations.
“If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them,” Trump said.
Vance’s remarks closely track this doctrine, aligning with growing voices within the administration—such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—who have signaled a realignment of U.S. military presence in Europe unless drastic investment reforms occur.
Trump has gone further than previous administrations by calling on NATO countries to boost their defense spending to 5% of GDP, up from the alliance’s 2% goal agreed upon in 2014. Despite this commitment, many member states still fall short, creating tension within the alliance ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague.
Even NATO’s incoming Secretary-General, Dutch PM Mark Rutte, acknowledged the need for higher investment, telling reporters last week that Europe must “step up” to meet “the new era of threats.”
A Cautious Admiration for Europe — With Limits
Although Vance was clear in his critique of Europe’s military posture, he also expressed a deep cultural affinity for the continent.
“I love European people. I’ve said repeatedly that I think that you can’t separate American culture from European culture.”
The Vice President framed the U.S.–Europe relationship as a shared civilization—but warned that continued dependency breeds strategic weakness on both sides of the Atlantic.
Russia: Rhetoric vs. Reality
Vance also addressed fears raised by some European leaders that Russia could soon invade a NATO country. Such claims, mostly advanced by globalist think tanks, have been dismissed by Moscow as propaganda.
Vance did not speculate on Russia’s intentions but emphasized the importance of sovereign preparedness, arguing that the credibility of the NATO alliance depends not on American guarantees, but on each member’s willingness to defend itself.
Conclusion: “Allies, Not Dependents”
Vice President Vance’s remarks mark a significant evolution in American foreign policy thinking—one that echoes Trump’s broader “America First” doctrine. Rather than acting as Europe’s permanent protector, the U.S. is now demanding true partnership and strategic reciprocity.
Whether European leaders heed the call remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the age of automatic U.S. defense guarantees—absent accountability—is coming to an end.
