At the Munich Security Summit, Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to reassure European allies that US relations, though strained, remain intact, while a delegation of Democratic officials offered a separate message of continuity and a warning that President Trump’s policies are temporary.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio took center stage at the Munich Security Summit on Saturday, delivering remarks that, while not fully allaying European concerns, were viewed as a reassurance that transatlantic relations, though frayed under the Trump administration, will not break. However, Rubio was not the only American voice at the conference, as dozens of U.S. legislators and governors—including potential 2028 Democratic contenders—offered their own assurances. California Governor Gavin Newsom sought to put the current political moment in perspective, telling a conference event on Friday, “If there’s nothing else I can communicate today, Donald Trump is temporary. He’ll be gone in three years.” Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire echoed the sentiment, stating, “The reason we’re here is to provide reassurance that we understand how important our European allies are,” while Republican Senator Thom Tillis advised allies not to get caught up in the “rhetoric of American politics.”
Several Democrats used the platform to address both foreign policy and domestic concerns, with New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez drawing a link between wealth inequality and the rise of authoritarianism. “It is of the utmost urgency that we get our economic houses in order and deliver material gains for the working class,” she said. “Otherwise, we will fall into a more isolated world governed by authoritarians who also do not deliver to working people.” Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego summarized the dual-track messaging from American officials, noting, “Right now, Europe just wants us to be better, right? And I think this has been a very good conference to reassure nerves. Sometimes you have to remind them that this is not all Trump… We’re still here.” The presence of Democratic lawmakers comes as Trump’s policies—from steep tariffs to his designs on Greenland—continue to reshape the international order and test alliances.