By Emmanuel Bobby
The United States’ top diplomat received a standing ovation at a major European security conference over the weekend, but his subsequent travel and remarks signaled where Washington now sees its closest partners on the continent.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared a “golden age” in U.S. relations with Hungary during a meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a populist leader often described as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest ally within the European Union. Rubio also met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, another populist leader opposed to continued support for Ukraine and aligned with Trump-era political priorities.
The central European visits followed Rubio’s Valentine’s Day speech at the Munich Security Conference, where he sought to reassure European leaders amid growing tensions between the United States and its traditional allies.
“We belong together,” Rubio told the audience of policymakers and officials in Munich, adding that while America’s home is in the Western Hemisphere, it remains deeply connected to Europe.
While his remarks appeared more conciliatory than the criticism of Europe delivered by Vice President JD Vance at the same forum last year, analysts said Rubio’s speech reflected a softer tone rather than a policy reversal.
“The Rubio speech marked a deliberate contrast to Vance’s broadside at European cultural decline,” wrote Bronwen Maddox of Chatham House, warning that Washington would still pursue its own interests even if Europe disagreed.
European leaders expressed concern about the growing divide. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said a “deep divide” had opened between Europe and the United States, while Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she believed the U.S. interest in Greenland had not diminished.
Sen. Mark Kelly also criticized the state of relations, saying U.S. allies no longer trust Washington and warning that geopolitical rivals were celebrating the growing rift.
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