Rubio Says US and Europe ‘Belong Together’, Urges Alignment With Trump’s Vision for Western Revival

Serving as both a warning and an invitation, Rubio’s remarks acknowledged ’mistakes’ made by both the U.S. and Europe in the decades following the Cold War.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks during the 62nd Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 14, 2026. Alexandra Beier / POOL / AFP via Getty Images

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told European leaders on Feb. 14 that Washington is not walking away from the transatlantic alliance—but called for a renewed partnership that aligns with President Donald Trump’s push for national revival, tougher border control, and a return to industrial and military strength.

Addressing the annual Munich Security Conference, Rubio sought to reassure governments unsettled by a year of tensions over trade, defense spending, and at times critical U.S. rhetoric toward NATO.