Secretary Rubio's Munich Speech: The White House Unveils a Framework for a New Transatlantic Partnership

The 62nd Munich Security Conference took place in Germany from February 13 to 15, 2026. The U.S. delegation was headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

His speech differed significantly in tone from Vice President J.D. Vance’s confrontational remarks at last year’s conference, as well as from President Donald Trump’s criticism of European elites at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026.

In recent months, Secretary Rubio has strengthened his influence over U.S. foreign policy, largely due to the effective implementation of the “Donroe Doctrine” in Latin America—particularly the dismantling of the Maduro regime in Venezuela. This strategy has also led to a recalibration of engagement between Latin American governments and Washington.