US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Brussels for a gathering of NATO foreign ministers, addressing growing anxiety over the Trump administration’s approach to Europe. Relations between the US and Europe have shifted from close cooperation under the Biden era to mistrust and acrimony under Mr. Trump.
Mr. Rubio, seen as the most pro-alliance member of Mr. Trump’s national security team, aimed to reassure European leaders on his boss’s commitment to NATO. “President Trump has made clear he supports NATO. We’re going to remain in NATO,” he said. However, he also reiterated the president’s call for NATO members to boost their military spending.
Tensions between the US and Europe arise from Mr. Trump’s economic protectionism, cultural differences, and his views on Russia. The President’s recent announcement of 20% tariffs on imports from the European Union has further strained relations.
Mr. Rubio is expected to press for a swift end to the war in Ukraine, an approach that alarms many European leaders who fear appeasing Russia’s president Vladimir Putin. NATO officials will aim to shape Mr. Trump’s efforts to broker a deal between Kyiv and Moscow.
The US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew G. Whitaker, also joined Mr. Rubio, sparking concerns over his lack of foreign policy experience.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/us/politics/rubio-visits-nato.html