AOC Criticizes Rubio's Munich Speech, But Rubio Gets the Last Laugh

Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez takes aim at Secretary of State Rubio's comments about American culture at the Munich Security Conference.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the historical ties between the US and Europe, including the influence of early Spanish immigrants on American cowboy culture. This did not sit well with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who criticized Rubio's 'pure appeal to Western culture' and argued that the real issue is economic inequality, not cultural changes.

Why it matters

The exchange between AOC and Rubio highlights the ongoing debate over the role of culture and economics in shaping American identity. AOC's critique of Rubio's comments reflects a broader progressive view that emphasizes class-based responses to societal changes, while Rubio's remarks reflect a more traditional perspective focused on Western cultural influences.

The details

At the Munich Security Conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave a speech discussing the historical ties between the US and Europe, including the influence of early Spanish immigrants on American cowboy culture. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who was also at the conference, criticized Rubio's comments, arguing that his 'pure appeal to Western culture' failed to acknowledge the contributions of Mexicans and descendants of African enslaved peoples. AOC went on to argue that the real issue is economic inequality, not cultural changes, and that the old guard is clinging to their economic structures as they lose ground.

  • Rubio delivered his speech at the Munich Security Conference this past week.
  • Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez was at the conference and made her comments in response to Rubio's speech.

The players

Marco Rubio

The current Secretary of State, who delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference discussing the historical ties between the US and Europe, including the influence of early Spanish immigrants on American cowboy culture.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The Democratic Congresswoman from New York, who criticized Rubio's comments at the Munich Security Conference, arguing that his 'pure appeal to Western culture' failed to acknowledge the contributions of Mexicans and descendants of African enslaved peoples.

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What they’re saying

“Mexicans and descendants of African enslaved peoples might have a few thoughts on the matter.”

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Congresswoman (substack.com)

The takeaway

The exchange between AOC and Rubio highlights the ongoing debate over the role of culture and economics in shaping American identity, with AOC emphasizing class-based responses to societal changes and Rubio reflecting a more traditional perspective focused on Western cultural influences.