Trump Admin Pushes 'Western Civilization' Vision in Europe

Marco Rubio's Munich speech outlines new U.S. approach to relations with Europe.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Trump administration has been increasingly vocal about promoting a 'Western civilization' worldview, with top officials like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance emphasizing the shared history, culture, and values between the U.S. and Europe. In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, Rubio reiterated this civilizational framework for U.S.-Europe relations, reassuring European allies of America's commitment while also urging them to take pride in their Western heritage. The speech drew both praise and criticism, reflecting the divisive nature of the administration's civilizational rhetoric.

Why it matters

The Trump administration's emphasis on 'Western civilization' represents a significant shift in how the U.S. approaches its relationship with Europe, moving away from a more pragmatic, interest-based partnership to one rooted in a shared cultural and historical identity. This could have implications for foreign policy, as the White House seeks to rally Europe around a common 'Western' cause, as well as domestic politics, where the civilizational framing is seen by some as a veiled appeal to white nationalism.

The details

In his Munich speech, Rubio stressed the 'deepest bonds' uniting the U.S. and Europe through 'centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices our forefathers made together.' He called on European allies to take pride in their Western heritage and partner with the U.S. in defending it. The speech was seen by some as an effort to reassure Europeans that America remains committed to the transatlantic relationship, while also pushing them to adopt a more assertive, right-wing worldview.

  • Rubio delivered the speech at the annual Munich Security Conference on February 18, 2026.
  • J.D. Vance, the Vice President, also gestured to a 'Western civilizational' worldview in a speech at the same conference the previous year.

The players

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who delivered the speech outlining the Trump administration's 'Western civilization' framework for U.S.-Europe relations.

J.D. Vance

The Vice President who also previously expressed support for a 'Western civilizational' worldview in a speech at the Munich Security Conference.

Donald Trump

The President who has promoted a 'Western civilization' agenda, including in his second inaugural address.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The Democratic Congresswoman who criticized Rubio's speech as an appeal to 'Western culture.'

Jonah Goldberg

The conservative commentator who was critical of the discourse around 'white culture' that Rubio's speech sparked.

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What they’re saying

“We are bound to one another by the deepest bonds that nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, Christian faith, culture, heritage, language, ancestry, and the sacrifices our forefathers made together for the common civilization to which we have fallen heir.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (Munich Security Conference)

“My favorite part was when he said that American cowboys came from Spain. I believe the Mexicans and descendants of African slave peoples would like to have a word on that!”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, U.S. Congresswoman (Twitter)

“Whiteness is an imaginary thing.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (Twitter)

What’s next

The Trump administration is expected to continue emphasizing the 'Western civilization' framework in its foreign policy and domestic agenda, potentially leading to further clashes with critics who see the rhetoric as divisive or a veiled appeal to white nationalism.

The takeaway

The Trump administration's push for a 'Western civilization' worldview represents a significant shift in how the U.S. approaches its relationship with Europe, moving away from a more pragmatic partnership to one rooted in a shared cultural and historical identity. This could have far-reaching implications for foreign policy and domestic politics, as the White House seeks to rally Europe around a common 'Western' cause while facing criticism from those who see the rhetoric as exclusionary or a threat to liberal values.