US Vice President JD Vance has launched a scathing attack on European border policies, declaring that the continent is committing "civilisational suicide" through its failure to manage migration flows.
The 40-year-old Republican singled out Germany for particular criticism during a Fox News interview, warning that the nation faces an existential crisis.
"If you have a country like Germany, where you have another few million immigrants come in from countries that are totally culturally incompatible with Germany, then it doesn't matter what I think about Europe," Vance said.
"Germany will have killed itself, and I hope they don't do that, because I love Germany and I want Germany to thrive."
Whilst acknowledging Europe's foundational role in Western civilisation and America's origins, the Vice-President expressed frustration with European approaches to migration control.
These remarks coincided with Donald Trump's recent five-day visit to Scotland, where he met with Keir Starmer.
The US President suggested that Labour's electoral fortunes against Nigel Farage's Reform UK would improve through tax reductions and stricter immigration controls.
"Keep people safe and with money in their pockets and you win elections," Trump advised the Prime Minister during their meeting.
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JD Vance said Germany was killing
Trump's guidance reflects his own political strategy, having secured re-election on promises of immigration enforcement that have since materialised through border closures and deportation operations.
Reform UK's remarkable performance in May's local elections has intensified pressure on Starmer, who subsequently pledged that "migration will fall" under his Government, vowing to implement additional measures if necessary.
Vance's criticism of European policies extends beyond immigration to encompass fundamental questions about freedom of expression on the continent.
During his February address at the Munich Security Conference, he declared that "free speech in Britain and across Europe was in retreat," citing the case of Adam Smith-Connor, a British anti-abortion activist prosecuted for violating a buffer zone near an abortion facility.
REUTERS | Donald Trump waves, before he and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer board Air Force One en route to Lossiemouth
The Vice President's Munich speech proved particularly controversial when he expressed support for Alternative für Deutschland, despite the German authorities having designated the party as extremist.
Many European nations interpreted this address as Washington's signal that it might abandon post-war trade and security agreements that have underpinned transatlantic relations for decades.
The Munich address prompted sharp rebukes from European leaders, with then-German Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemning Vance's remarks as inappropriate interference in Germany's domestic affairs.
"That is not done, certainly not among friends and allies," Scholz declared in response to the Vice-President's endorsement of AfD.
When Starmer met with Trump and Vance at the Oval Office earlier this year, he mounted a robust defence of Britain's democratic traditions against the American criticism.
"We've had free speech for a very long time, it will last a long time, and we are very proud of that," the Prime Minister declared.
The Vice President's provocative statements have strained traditional alliances, with European capitals increasingly concerned about America's commitment to established partnerships.
Looking ahead to America's political future, Vance has emerged as a leading contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2028.
The Vice President faces potential competition from several prominent figures, including Marco Rubio, who now serves as Secretary of State despite his crushing defeat to Trump in the 2016 primaries.
When questioned about possible successors in May, Trump offered measured praise for multiple candidates while acknowledging the Vice President's advantages.
"I think [Vance is] a fantastic, brilliant guy," Trump told NBC News.
"Marco [Rubio] is great. There's a lot of them that are great."
Trump suggested that an "outstanding" Vice President would naturally possess an edge in any future contest, though he emphasised the party's current unity rather than endorsing any specific successor.