JD Vance slammed European leaders for claiming that Elon Musk presents a threat to their democracies.
The American vice president reminded those in attendance at the Munich Security Conference that the United States' democracy survived 10 years of "scolding" from famed climate activist Greta Thunberg.
"Speaking up and expressing opinions isn't election interference, even when people express views outside your own country, and even when those people are very influential," Vance said. "Trust me, I say this with all humour, if American democracy can survive 10 years of Greta Thunberg's scolding, you guys can survive a few months of Elon Musk."
Following a brief pause, Vance continued criticizing European governments for going after those with opposing points of view.
"What no democracy — American, German, or European — will survive, is telling millions of voters that their thoughts and concerns, their aspirations, their pleas for relief, are invalid, or unworthy of even being considered."
He emphasized that democracy "rest on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters."
"Europeans, the people, have a voice," Vance continued. "European leaders have a choice."
Earlier in his speech, Vance warned that denying people the ability to participate in the political process by stifling their freedom of expression was a "surefire way to destroy democracy."
Musk has been criticized by many in Europe for his vocal support of right-wing candidate and parties. The billionaire has made it clear he believes the AfD in Germany, for example, is the only party that can save the country, and even hosted an X Spaces event with its leader, Alice Weidel.