America and Europe’s greatest challenge: Immigration and nationalist resurgence

Vice President JD Vance marked the Trump administration’s first month back in office with a strong stance on immigration, calling it the “greatest threat” to both the United States and Europe. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in National Harbor, Maryland, Vance reaffirmed the administration’s shift in both domestic and foreign policy, emphasizing tighter border security and a reassessment of U.S. military commitments abroad.

A Hardline Approach to Immigration

Vance’s address doubled down on his controversial remarks from the previous week, in which he accused European leaders of stifling free speech and ignoring public sentiment. “The greatest threat in Europe, and I’d say the greatest threat in the U.S. until about 30 days ago, is that you’ve had the leaders of the West decide that they should send millions and millions of unvetted foreign migrants into their countries,” he declared. His comments highlighted a significant shift in the administration’s priorities, reinforcing Trump-era immigration policies with a renewed intensity.

This stance aligns with a broader nationalist wave gaining traction in both the U.S. and Europe, where concerns over immigration, national identity, and sovereignty have fueled political shifts. The Trump administration’s rhetoric suggests a tougher immigration policy, with increased border security and stricter vetting processes.

The Ukraine Conflict: A Push for Peace or a Strategic Shift?

Vance also made headlines by asserting that the administration was on the verge of brokering peace in Ukraine, despite providing no evidence. “I really believe we are on the cusp of peace in Europe for the first time in three years,” he stated, suggesting that direct negotiations with Russia were the only viable solution.

His remarks align with the administration’s broader skepticism toward continued U.S. involvement in European conflicts. The Trump administration has repeatedly questioned the level of military and financial support provided to Ukraine, arguing that European nations should take on greater responsibility for their own security. Vance’s comments indicate a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy, where diplomatic negotiations may replace military aid as the preferred approach to conflict resolution.

CPAC’s Nationalist Transformation

CPAC, once dominated by traditional Republican figures, has evolved into a hub for nationalist voices. This year’s conference saw appearances from right-wing European leaders, including British politician Nigel Farage and Hungarian Member of the European Parliament András László. The event also drew tech mogul Elon Musk, who has increasingly positioned himself as a critic of government inefficiency and globalist policies.

The nationalist influence was evident in both the attendees and the rhetoric. Thousands of supporters donned pro-Trump apparel, with some dressing in American-themed costumes, reinforcing the event’s overtly patriotic atmosphere. This shift reflects broader trends within the Republican Party, where traditional conservatism has given way to a more populist, nationalist ideology.

Bannon, a long-time Trump ally, further fueled controversy when he appeared to give a salute reminiscent of historical fascist gestures, echoing a similar incident involving Musk at Trump’s inauguration. While the gesture’s intent remains debatable, its presence at CPAC underscores the radicalization of certain factions within the movement.

European Nationalists Rally Behind Trump’s Vision

The conference also highlighted growing support for Trump’s brand of nationalism among European right-wing figures. László, a vocal supporter of nationalist policies in Europe, defended the Trump administration’s stance, arguing that Western leaders have suppressed free speech in the name of political correctness. “We need to have honest discussions, even if they are difficult to have,” he stated, criticizing European governments for restricting public debate on immigration and national identity.

László’s organization, Patriots for Europe, has rapidly gained influence, now holding 86 seats in the European Parliament across 13 nations. His rising political clout reflects a broader nationalist shift sweeping across Europe, mirroring the changes seen in American conservatism.

Former British Prime Minister Liz Truss also took the stage, rebranding herself as a populist figure after her disastrous tenure as the UK’s leader. Blaming her political downfall on a so-called “deep state,” she called for a British version of CPAC, reinforcing the idea that nationalist movements are gaining traction beyond American borders.

A Foreign Policy Recalibration

Beyond immigration, Vance’s speech signaled a major recalibration of U.S. foreign policy. In a lengthy post on social media, he dismissed previous U.S. support for Ukraine as “moralistic garbage” and argued that Trump’s leadership would have prevented the war entirely. He reiterated the administration’s view that neither Europe nor Ukraine has a clear path to victory, further justifying the push for peace negotiations.

Vance also questioned the U.S.’s ongoing military commitments in Europe, particularly targeting Germany. “Germany’s entire defense is subsidized by the American taxpayer,” he stated. “Do you think the American taxpayer is going to stand for that if you get thrown in jail for posting a mean tweet?” His remarks highlight the administration’s view that U.S. military support should be contingent on the domestic policies of its allies, particularly regarding free speech and civil liberties.

The Future of American and European Conservatism

As CPAC 2025 concluded, it became clear that both American and European conservative movements are undergoing significant transformations. The nationalist rhetoric once considered fringe has now become mainstream within the Republican Party. The presence of European right-wing leaders further underscored the growing alignment between nationalist movements on both sides of the Atlantic.

With the Trump administration back in power, the political landscape is shifting toward a more protectionist, nationalist approach—one that prioritizes border security, questions international military commitments, and challenges the globalist policies of previous administrations. Whether this strategy will lead to lasting change or spark further political divisions remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the debate over immigration, national identity, and global alliances will define the political discourse in the years to come.