Top diplomats are raising concerns about US Vice President JD Vance, warning that his hostile stance toward Europe could make him one of the most troubling figures in the White House. Leaked messages suggest Vance is actively trying to weaken US-European relations, putting him at odds with President Donald Trump.
Leaked Messages Reveal Tension
The controversy began when private Signal messages from key Trump administration officials were leaked. The leak happened by accident when a journalist was mistakenly added to a secret chat about US war plans.
In the messages, Vance expressed frustration about military actions that benefit Europe. Discussing a US plan to strike Houthi rebels in Yemen, he wrote:
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth agreed, responding:
UK and European Reactions
The UK strongly denied accusations of being a freeloader. A Downing Street spokesperson emphasized that Britain plays an active role in military efforts, providing air-to-air refueling for US-led strikes and supporting combat patrols over Iraq and Syria.
The UK reaffirmed its commitment to working with the US and its allies to maintain stability in the Middle East, saying:
Diplomatic Fallout
Vance’s remarks have alarmed European leaders. One senior European diplomat called him:
European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas also criticized Vance, accusing him of “trying to pick a fight” over US military strategy.
Vance argued that striking Houthi forces in the Suez Canal benefits Europe more than the US, as Europe relies heavily on the canal for trade. He also hinted that Trump might not fully realize how these actions contradict his own message on Europe.
Economic Concerns
Diplomats also worry that rising tensions could lead to economic consequences. A sudden shift in US policy might cause oil prices to spike, leading to economic instability.
With these tensions growing, the world is closely watching how the US-EU relationship unfolds under the Trump administration.
