Rubio Reassures Europe While Digging In on Criticism

Secretary of State Marco Rubio used a high-profile security gathering in Munich on Saturday to argue that the United States and Europe remain fundamentally linked, even as he defended policies from President Donald Trump’s administration that have strained those ties.

In a keynote address to the Munich Security Conference, Rubio told European leaders that the two sides are bound by shared history, faith, and heritage and “belong together,” the Washington Post reported. European officials welcomed Rubio’s tone—especially after Vice President JD Vance’s sharply critical remarks at the conference last year—but said they heard little that would change the underlying dynamic, according to the New York Times. Vance’s speech was met largely with silence; Rubio’s drew applause.

Dividing lines: Rubio also criticized key features of post–Cold War globalization, including open borders, expansive free trade, deindustrialization, and large-scale migration. He dismissed the United Nations as ineffective on major global problems and praised unilateral U.S. military actions in regions such as Latin America and the Middle East—positions that clash with many European governments’ preference for multilateral institutions and collective decision-making.

Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, called Rubio’s speech reassuring, noting that “in the administration, some have a harsher tone on these topics,” the AP reported. Still, she told the conference that “Europe must become more independent—there is no other choice.”

Trump’s plans: Other leaders pressed for greater European strategic autonomy while maintaining the transatlantic alliance. French President Emmanuel Macron urged “de-risking” Europe’s exposure to all major powers. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that U.S. global leadership is being tested amid competition from China and said Washington, like Europe, still depends on NATO.

Some officials also voiced continuing concerns about President Trump’s approach, including his interest in acquiring Greenland and shifting positions on trade, climate policy, and the war in Ukraine. Rubio said the United States intends to help build a new world order, according to the Guardian. “While we are prepared, if necessary, to do this alone,” he said, “it is our preference and it is our hope to do this together with you, our friends here in Europe.”

Role reversal: Another tonal shift was evident, the Times noted. Four years ago, U.S. officials came to the conference with intelligence indicating a Russian invasion of Ukraine was imminent. Many senior European leaders were skeptical and suggested Russian President Vladimir Putin was bluffing—yet the invasion began days later. This time, European officials are warning that Russia poses a threat across the continent, while Rubio made only limited reference to Russia. None of his cautions was directed at Russia or Putin.

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