Marco Rubio receives standing ovation for 'outstanding' address at Munich Security Conference

MUNICH, GERMANY: Secretary of State Marco Rubio earned a standing ovation at the Munich Security Conference  after delivering a speech that reaffirmed US ties with Europe.

The address, delivered amid ongoing tensions in transatlantic relations under the Trump administration, drew applause throughout and concluded with attendees on their feet. Those in attendance included European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and several other European Union leaders.

Marco Rubio calls for stronger US-Europe alliance

In his address, Rubio noted the deep-rooted connections between the US and Europe. “The United States and Europe, we belong together," he said, adding, “And again, we want to do it together with you, our cherished allies and our oldest friends.”

“In a time of headlines heralding the end of the transatlantic era, let it be known and clear to all that this is neither our goal nor our wish, because for us Americans, our home may be in the Western Hemisphere, but we will always be a child of Europe," he continued.

The secretary outlined America’s vision for a "new century of prosperity," insisting that collaboration remains the preference but warning that the US is prepared to act independently if needed. “While we are prepared, if necessary, to do this alone, it is our preference and it is our hope to do this together with you, our friends here in Europe,” Rubio said. He called for Europe to address what he described as "civilizational erosion," driven by factors including mass migration and declining self-confidence.

“Mass migration is not was not is not a some fringe concern of little consequence. It was and continues to be a crisis, which is transforming and destabilizing societies all across the West," he said, urging allies to bolster defense capabilities. “We want allies who can defend themselves so that no adversary will ever be tempted to test our collective strength.”

European leaders praise Marco Rubio after Munich speech

Fox News contributor Dr Rebecca Grant described Rubio's performance as “outstanding."

"He struck exactly the right tone," she said during an appearance on Fox News. "Remember, there’s been a lot of anxiety in Europe about what the 'America First' foreign policy looks like in this second Trump administration. Rubio went in there and he was clear, he was firm, but he was also reassuring. He basically told the Europeans: 'Look, we are with you, but you have to step up.'"

The speech was applauded throughout and ended with a standing ovation. Attendees waved as Rubio acknowledged the crowd alongside conference chairman Wolfgang Ischinger. European leaders responded positively. Von der Leyen said she was “very much reassured” by Rubio's speech.

“We know some in the administration have a harsher tone on these topics,” she said in an apparent reference to Vance. "But the Secretary of State was very clear. He said 'We want strong Europe in the Alliance', and this is what we are working for intensively in the European Union."

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul called it “the speech I expected from Secretary Rubio,” praising him as “a true partner.”

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen added, "I am very satisfied with the tone and I also think that the content was largely what we here in Europe expected. He said so many times, that we must stand together and be strong for our values. We are, of course, very strongly committed to the international community and to international law."