Munich, Germany – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference on , striking a markedly more conciliatory tone than his predecessor, Vice President J.D. Vance, who delivered a combative address at the same forum last year. While reaffirming core tenets of the Trump administration’s foreign policy, Rubio sought to reassure European allies of a continued commitment to the transatlantic relationship.
The shift in tone was welcomed by some European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described Rubio’s address as “reassuring,” though murmurs of discontent reportedly followed his remarks regarding the United Nations and climate change, as well as his justification of U.S. Interventions in Venezuela and Iran.
Rubio’s speech centered on a reassessment of the post-Cold War international order, arguing that a period of “euphoria” led the West into a “dangerous delusion” of borderless globalization and overreliance on international institutions. He asserted that this approach ignored “human nature and the lessons of 5,000 years of recorded human history,” and had ultimately proven costly.
He criticized what he described as a prioritization of welfare programs over national defense in Europe, and the embrace of migration policies that, according to Rubio, threatened societal cohesion. However, he framed these criticisms not as accusations, but as a shared reckoning. “We made these mistakes together, and now together, we owe it to our people to face those facts and to move forward – to rebuild,” he stated.
The Secretary of State emphasized the enduring ties between the United States and Europe, framing the relationship as one of shared history, faith, culture, and heritage. He acknowledged the deep roots of American civilization in Europe, tracing the ancestry of many Americans back to the continent. “For us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe,” Rubio declared, a sentiment that drew a standing ovation from the audience.
Rubio’s address comes at a time of heightened uncertainty in the transatlantic relationship, following a period of strained ties under the Trump administration. Vance’s speech last year had rattled European capitals, fueling fears of a widening rift between Washington and its allies. Rubio’s more measured approach appears to be an attempt to address those concerns, while still signaling a firm commitment to President Trump’s “America First” agenda.
The speech also touched on a range of other issues, including trade, energy policy, and national security. Rubio criticized what he characterized as unfair trade practices by some nations, and the pursuit of energy policies that he argued were harming the U.S. Economy. He also warned against the dangers of mass migration, arguing that it posed a threat to the fabric of Western societies.
He called for a renewed focus on national sovereignty and a willingness to defend national interests, even if it meant acting unilaterally. However, he reiterated his preference for working with allies to address shared challenges. “Under President Trump, the United States of America will once again take on the task of renewal and restoration,” Rubio said, “and while we are prepared, if necessary, to do this alone, it is our preference and it is our hope to do this together with you, our friends here in Europe.”
Rubio also addressed the role of international institutions, acknowledging their potential for good but also criticizing their shortcomings. He pointed to the United Nations’ inability to resolve conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, arguing that it had failed to live up to its mandate. He cited U.S. Actions – including military operations and special forces interventions – as examples of American leadership in addressing global crises where the UN had fallen short.
The Secretary of State concluded by emphasizing the importance of defending Western civilization and preserving its unique values. He called for a renewed sense of purpose and a willingness to confront the challenges of the 21st century with boldness and determination. He urged Europe to strengthen its defenses, protect its culture, and embrace its heritage, arguing that the future of the West depended on its ability to do so.
Rubio’s speech signals a potential recalibration of U.S. Foreign policy, seeking to balance a commitment to national interests with a recognition of the importance of transatlantic cooperation. Whether this shift in tone will translate into concrete changes in policy remains to be seen, but it represents a significant departure from the more confrontational approach of the previous administration.
