Ocasio-Cortez brings progressive vision to Munich Security Conference

The New York Congresswoman calls for global leaders to champion the working class and criticizes Trump administration's foreign policy moves.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) took part in a panel at the annual Munich Security Conference, where she called for global leaders to champion the working class and criticized the Trump administration's foreign policy moves. Ocasio-Cortez pushed for a 'return to a rules-based order' and chided 'hypocrisies' in the West, pointing to Trump's Greenland threats and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The trip abroad is notable as Ocasio-Cortez, seen as heir-apparent to Sen. Bernie Sanders, faces speculation that she could mount a run for higher office.

Why it matters

Ocasio-Cortez's appearance on the global stage in Germany offered a contrast against President Trump, who has withdrawn the U.S. from major international organizations and stoked tensions with allies in Europe and elsewhere. Her progressive vision and criticism of the Trump administration's foreign policy moves could position her as a potential 2028 presidential front-runner.

The details

During the panel, Ocasio-Cortez called for leaders to champion the working class and knocked the Trump administration's foreign policy moves. She pushed for 'a return to a rules-based order' and chided 'hypocrisies' in the West, pointing to Trump's Greenland threats and making an apparent reference to his capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Ocasio-Cortez argued that extreme income inequality leads to social instability 'and drives, in a sense, authoritarianism, right wing populism and very dangerous domestic internal politics.'

  • The Munich Security Conference kicked off on February 13, 2026.

The players

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic Congresswoman from New York who is seen as a rising star in the party and a potential 2028 presidential candidate.

President Donald Trump

The former President of the United States whose foreign policy moves Ocasio-Cortez criticized during the panel.

Sen. Bernie Sanders

An Independent Senator from Vermont who Ocasio-Cortez is seen as the heir-apparent to.

Petr Pavel

The president of the Czech Republic who appeared on the panel alongside Ocasio-Cortez.

Manfred Weber

The president of the European People's Party who appeared on the panel alongside Ocasio-Cortez.

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What they’re saying

“One of the reasons why not just myself, but … many Democrats that are here as well, is because we want to tell a larger story, that what is happening is indeed very grave, and we are in a new era, domestically and globally.”

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (thehill.com)

“We are here and we are ready for the next chapter, not to have the world turn to isolation, but to deepen our partnership.”

— Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (thehill.com)

What’s next

Ocasio-Cortez is slated to speak at a second panel later on Friday at the Munich Security Conference. Trump's Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also speak during a session on 'the U.S. in the world' on Saturday.

The takeaway

Ocasio-Cortez's appearance on the global stage in Germany offered a stark contrast to the Trump administration's isolationist foreign policy, as she called for a return to a 'rules-based order' and deeper global partnerships. Her progressive vision and criticism of the billionaire class could further position her as a potential 2028 presidential front-runner.