U.S. Secretary of State said the United States would not accept what he described as a gradual decline of Western power, urging European allies to strengthen their own defenses during a speech at the Munich Security Conference this weekend.

Rubio told delegates that the United States wanted partners capable of defending themselves so that “no adversary will ever be tempted to test our collective strength.” He said Washington was seeking allies that were “proud of their culture and of their heritage” and willing to defend what he called a shared civilization.

SECRETARY RUBIO: We are bound together by the deepest bonds nations could share, forged by centuries of shared history, and the sacrifices our forefathers made together for the common civilization.

We are all part of one civilization: Western civilization. pic.twitter.com/bqOUKlpf88

— Department of State (@StateDept) February 14, 2026

In his remarks, Rubio traced Western history from the end of World War II through the Cold War, arguing that earlier generations rejected the idea that decline was inevitable. He said President Donald Trump’s administration aimed to repeat that approach by working with European allies to confront current security and geopolitical challenges.

“We want allies who can defend themselves so that no adversary will ever be tempted to test our collective strength,” Rubio said. He added that the United States did not want partners “shackled by guilt and shame” and criticized what he described as efforts to justify existing policies rather than reform them.

Rubio concluded by rejecting what he called a passive role for the United States in managing Western decline. “For we in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West’s managed decline,” he said, drawing applause from the audience.

SECRETARY RUBIO: We in America have no interest in being polite and orderly caretakers of the West's managed decline. pic.twitter.com/avdbvkUsjc

— Department of State (@StateDept) February 14, 2026

The speech comes as Washington presses NATO members to increase defense spending and assume greater responsibility for their own security. U.S. officials have argued that stronger European militaries would deter Russia and reduce the burden on U.S. forces.

Vice President praised Rubio’s remarks in a post on social media, calling the speech “worth watching the whole thing.”

This is a great speech. Worth watching the whole thing. https://t.co/tRmWP3MVdd

— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 14, 2026

The Munich conference, held annually, is a major forum for transatlantic security discussions and frequently serves as a venue for U.S. officials to outline shifts in foreign and defense policy.

Political commentator Shabbos Kestenbaum said that “I don’t think people understand how unprecedented it is for an American secretary of state to receive a standing ovation from the European political class,” and went so far as to mention Rubio as a possible presidential candidate in 2028.

I don't think people understand how unprecedented it is for an American Secretary of State to receive a standing ovation from the European political class.

Let's all state the obvious:

President Marco Rubio 2028. pic.twitter.com/6wEQtApyPY

— Shabbos Kestenbaum (@ShabbosK) February 14, 2026

Rubio did not announce specific new initiatives during the address but framed his remarks as part of a broader effort by the administration to encourage allied nations to expand military capacity and take a more assertive role in collective defense.