Trump Jokes He Almost Fired Rubio Over Munich Speech

President Trump praised Secretary of State Marco Rubio's well-received speech at the Munich Security Conference, but joked he almost "terminated his employment" over it.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During a meeting of his "Board of Peace" to rebuild the Gaza Strip, President Trump joked that he nearly "fired" Secretary of State Marco Rubio for his well-received speech at the Munich Security Conference, where Rubio criticized past U.S. and European policies. Trump praised Rubio's performance, saying he "really did yourself proud," but jokingly threatened to terminate his employment if he did "any better" in the future.

Why it matters

The president's comments highlight the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and its diplomatic corps, as well as the administration's desire to take a more assertive stance on global affairs. Rubio's speech in Munich was seen as a departure from the administration's previous rhetoric, drawing praise but also a tongue-in-cheek threat from the president.

The details

In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized past U.S. and European policies, saying the "euphoria" after the fall of the Berlin Wall led to a "dangerous delusion" that every nation would become a liberal democracy. Rubio said this "foolish idea" has "cost us dearly." However, Rubio also extended an olive branch to Europe, asking allies to assist the U.S. in correcting those mistakes of the past.

  • On Saturday, Rubio addressed the Munich Security Conference.
  • On Thursday, President Trump made his comments about Rubio's speech during the first meeting of his "Board of Peace" to rebuild the Gaza Strip.

The players

President Trump

The current President of the United States.

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State and former U.S. Senator from Florida.

J.D. Vance

The current Vice President of the United States.

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What they’re saying

“In fact, so proud that I almost terminated his [employment], because they were saying, 'Why can't Trump do this?' I do, but I say it differently.”

— President Trump (thehill.com)

“But Marco, don't do any better than you did, please. Because if you do, you're out of here.”

— President Trump (thehill.com)

“This was a foolish idea that ignored both human nature and it ignored the lessons of over 5,000 years of recorded human history. And it has cost us dearly.”

— Secretary of State Marco Rubio (thehill.com)

“Under President Trump, the United States of America will once again take on the task of renewal and restoration, driven by a vision of a future as proud, as sovereign, and as vital as our civilization's past. And 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.”

— Secretary of State Marco Rubio (thehill.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.