Portrait of JD Vance
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JD Vance on Free Speech

Critic of Big Tech Censorship (strong)

JD Vance expresses strong opposition to censorship by Big Tech companies, arguing they possess too much power and can restrict American constitutional rights, particularly in the digital public square. His focus has been on challenging perceived ideological bias within these platforms, even as he himself faces criticism for his own rhetoric.

As Vice President, Vance has stated that the Trump administration will ensure American AI systems are free from ideological bias and will not be used for authoritarian censorship. He has also used international forums to criticize European allies, including the United Kingdom, for what he views as a retreat from free speech principles, citing specific laws and instances of alleged suppression.

However, Vance's own record and rhetoric have drawn counter-criticism. While vocal about external censorship, he has been accused of sidestepping scrutiny of the current administration's potential impact on free expression, and his own past comments suggest a desire to use government influence to shape content.

Context

As a prominent national conservative and Vice President, JD Vance's stance on free speech is a key part of his platform, often framing the issue through the lens of perceived collusion between Big Tech and government agencies. This concern about centralized control over information is linked to his broader critique of established institutions.

His position is frequently discussed in the context of debates over content moderation, particularly following the 2020 election and regarding issues like COVID-19 information, where he argued that silencing certain viewpoints constitutes a threat to democracy.

Actions Taken

  1. Policy Statement
    Vance stated that the Trump administration will ensure American AI systems are free from ideological bias and will never restrict citizens' right to free speech.
  2. Policy Statement
    Vance vowed that the Trump administration will "do precisely the opposite" of the prior administration's actions, which he claimed involved bullying social media companies to censor "misinformation."
  3. International Advocacy
    Vance publicly criticized European leaders, including those in the United Kingdom, for what he described as a free speech retreat and the suppression of populist views, suggesting their laws infringe on liberties.

Key Quotes

They can either respect America's constitutional rights, they can stop engaging in **censorship**, and if they don't, you can be absolutely sure that Donald Trump's leadership is not going to look too kindly on them.

Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan January 26, 2025 — Stating the administration's stance toward **Big Tech** companies.

We believe fundamentally that **big tech does have too much power**... possessing a 'monopoly over **free speech**' that ought to be broken up.

Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan January 26, 2025 — Outlining his thinking on the power of large technology firms.

The threat that I worry the most about vis-à-vis Europe is not Russia it's not China. it's not any other external actor. and what I worry about is the **threat from within**... and across Europe **free speech** I fear is in retreat.

Munich Security Conference Speech February 14, 2025 — Expressing his primary security concern for Europe during a major address.

We feel very strongly that AI must remain **free from ideological bias** and that American AI will not be co-opted into a tool for authoritarian **censorship**.

AI Summit in Paris February 11, 2025 — Detailing the **Trump administration's** policy goals for Artificial Intelligence.

Related Positions

  • DOJ-FBI-Criticism Vance is critical of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), having accused the FBI of telling private companies what to censor, which he views as a threat to the First Amendment.
  • Election-Integrity-2020 Vance stated he believed 'Big Tech rigged the election' through censorship in the 2020 election and suggested pro-Trump electors should have been sent to Congress to decide the outcome.

Criticism

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Scholz offered an apparent rebuke to Vance's remarks in Munich, defending Germany's democracy and its regulations on hate speech, stating that German free speech laws do not allow attacks against others that are against legislation.

Index on Censorship CEO

The CEO argued that Vance's administration is not correcting the course on free speech issues, suggesting that free speech in the U.S. is worse now than under the prior administration, calling the commitment hollow.

Unnamed former friend from Yale Law School

Alleged that JD Vance has 'changed [his] opinion on literally every imaginable issue that affects everyday Americans' in pursuit of 'political power and wealth,' suggesting his current views may not be sincere.