Trump Criticizes Democrats, Praises Allies at Munich Security Conference

Former president targets Newsom, AOC while lauding Rubio's performance

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to criticize prominent Democratic politicians like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Governor Gavin Newsom for their behavior abroad, calling them an "embarrassment to our Nation." At the same time, Trump praised U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying he was "fantastic in Munich." Several Democratic leaders, including Rep. Jason Crow and Sen. Chris Murphy, also criticized Trump at the Munich Security Conference.

Why it matters

Trump's comments highlight the ongoing political divisions in the U.S., with the former president continuing to attack his Democratic rivals while praising his allies. The criticism from Democratic leaders at the international security conference also underscores the global implications of domestic U.S. politics.

The details

In his Truth Social post, Trump praised Rubio's performance at the Munich Security Conference, while sharply criticizing Democratic politicians like Ocasio-Cortez and Newsom, claiming they "made fools of themselves" and were "really bad representatives of our now very successful Country." Trump also targeted former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, accusing her of showing "anger and Trump Derangement." At the conference, Democratic figures like Rep. Jason Crow and Sen. Chris Murphy criticized Trump, with Crow claiming the former president opposes a new foreign policy vision to protect his own overseas financial interests, and Murphy saying Trump was promoting alleged future real estate deals instead of addressing the Gaza conflict. California Governor Gavin Newsom also urged European officials to build direct relationships with U.S. states, promoting California as a reliable partner and arguing that Trump would not define the country indefinitely.

  • On Monday, Trump posted on Truth Social, praising allies and criticizing Democratic politicians abroad.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has continued to be a prominent political figure since leaving office.

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State, whom Trump praised for his performance at the Munich Security Conference.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

A Democratic Congresswoman from New York who Trump criticized for her behavior abroad.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic Governor of California who urged European officials to build direct relationships with U.S. states, arguing that Trump would not define the country indefinitely.

Jason Crow

A Democratic Congressman from Colorado who criticized Trump at the Munich Security Conference, claiming the former president opposes a new foreign policy vision to protect his own overseas financial interests.

Chris Murphy

A Democratic Senator from Connecticut who also criticized Trump at the Munich Security Conference, saying the former president was promoting alleged future real estate deals instead of addressing the Gaza conflict.

Hillary Clinton

The former Secretary of State whom Trump accused of showing "anger and Trump Derangement."

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What they’re saying

“Marco was fantastic in Munich!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“AOC and Newscum were an embarrassment to our Nation. For one thing they shouldn't be talking badly about the U.S.A., especially on 'foreign soil.' They made fools of themselves, and always will!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“Hillary Clinton merely showed her anger and Trump Derangement.”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“We must build direct relationships with U.S. states. California is a reliable partner, and Trump will not define us indefinitely.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor of California (Munich Security Conference)

“While the Gaza conflict continues and civilians die, the former president is promoting alleged future real estate deals instead of working to address the crisis.”

— Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator (Munich Security Conference)

What’s next

The political divisions highlighted by Trump's comments and the Democratic leaders' criticisms at the Munich Security Conference are likely to continue to play out in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.

The takeaway

Trump's continued attacks on his Democratic rivals, even after leaving office, underscore the deep partisan divides in U.S. politics. The global implications of these domestic political tensions were on full display at the Munich Security Conference, where Democratic leaders sought to reassure allies that Trump's vision for America was temporary.