Secretary of State Marco Rubio applied a velvet glove to the Trump administration’s still-clenched fist during his high-profile speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, offering some reassurance to uneasy European leaders that the US remains committed to their long-standing partnership but without backing away from its underlying demand that they change course on a number of fronts.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio appealed to European leaders in Munich by stressing Christian and cultural bonds that are no longer universal.

Democratic presidential hopefuls descended on the Munich Security Conference over the weekend as they might normally flood Des Moines, Iowa, or Manchester, New Hampshire. They found a Europe that’s all but ignoring them – and assuming leaders like Donald Trump will define the future.

The sidelines of the conference last year were filled with ashen-faced European diplomats stunned by Vice President JD Vance’s harsh criticism of the continent’s democracies. This weekend in Munich, there was at least the appearance of healing.

EU’s foreign policy chief says many countries still ‘want to join our club’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio may be the highest-ranking administration official representing President Donald Trump at this year’s Munich Security Conference, but European counterparts are not sighing with relief,

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cancelled his participation in a meeting with European leaders on the Russo-Ukrainian war at the last minute.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a warmer tone at this year’s Munich Security Conference, but European officials say the trans-Atlantic fissure remains.

Marco Rubio attends Munich Security Conference following Vice President JD Vance's controversial 2025 speech that stunned European leaders and criticized democratic values.

In a speech aimed at reducing tensions over Greenland and threats of further tariffs, America's top diplomat said the U.S. is not abandoning its oldest allies.