Rubio casts US, the 'child of Europe', as critical friend to allies

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, walks during the meeting with Japan's Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi (not pictured) on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, February 14, 2026. Alex Brandon/Pool via REUTERS

MUNICH, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Secretary of State ⁠Marco Rubio cast the United States as the "child of Europe" in a message of unity on Saturday, offering some reassurance as well as levelling more criticism at allies after a year of ⁠turmoil in transatlantic relations.

Rubio was addressing the annual Munich Security Conference, where Europe's leading powers have tried to project their own independence and strength while straining to keep a long-time ‌alliance with the U.S. under President Donald Trump alive.