Vice President JD Vance marked one month of the Trump administration’s return by delivering a hard-hitting speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 in National Harbor, Maryland. He claimed uncontrolled immigration was the “greatest threat” facing both Europe and the U.S., while also defending the administration’s approach to Ukraine.
Immigration: ‘Greatest Threat’ to the U.S. and Europe
Speaking to a packed conservative audience, Vance blamed Western leaders for allowing millions of unvetted migrants into their countries.
“The greatest threat in Europe, and I’d say the greatest threat in the U.S. until about 30 days ago, is that Western leaders have flooded their nations with millions of unvetted foreign migrants,” he stated.
His remarks highlight the administration’s aggressive stance on border security, including plans to increase border agents and implement stricter immigration policies.
CPAC’s Shift Toward Nationalism
This year’s CPAC gathering reflected a significant shift within the Republican Party, with nationalist figures like Steve Bannon, Nigel Farage, and Elon Musk dominating the stage. Many attendees wore MAGA apparel, American flag shirts, and patriotic costumes.
Vance’s speech reinforced this nationalist agenda, signaling a departure from traditional Republican policies on immigration and foreign affairs.
Vance on Ukraine: ‘No Pathway to Victory’
Ahead of his CPAC address, Vance posted on X (formerly Twitter), criticizing U.S. and European foreign policy regarding Ukraine. He dismissed concerns over the administration’s stance on Ukraine, calling them “moralistic garbage.”
“President Trump and I have made two simple arguments: first, the war wouldn’t have started if Trump was in office; second, neither Europe, the Biden administration, nor the Ukrainians have any pathway to victory,” Vance wrote.
During his speech, Vance suggested that the U.S. military’s commitment to European allies should be conditional, particularly taking aim at Germany.
“There are thousands upon thousands of American troops in Germany today. Do you think the American taxpayer is going to stand for that if you get thrown in jail for posting a mean tweet?”
A New Direction for U.S. Policy
Vance’s remarks at CPAC 2025 indicate a major shift in the Trump administration’s domestic and foreign policy, emphasizing stronger border security and a more skeptical stance on European alliances.
