AOC accuses Trump of trying to usher in ‘age of authoritarianism’ at Munich conference

The Guardian World

by Andrew Roth in Washington

February 13, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has sharply criticized President Donald Trump at the Munich Security Conference, accusing him of undermining the transatlantic alliance with Europe and promoting an “age of authoritarianism.” Speaking on a panel about populism, AOC challenged Trump’s foreign policy shift to the right, which has raised concerns among US allies. She presented an alternative vision for a leftwing US foreign policy, emphasizing collaboration over nationalism and military aggression. AOC’s remarks came during a session attended by top policymakers from allied nations, who have grown increasingly wary of the US’s increasingly nationalist and militaristic approach under Trump. She highlighted the importance of maintaining strong transatlantic ties, which she argued were being eroded by Trump’s administration. Her speech also served as a direct rebuke to Vice President Marco Rubio, another prominent figure in the Trump administration. The significance of AOC’s remarks lies in their potential to spark broader discussions about the future direction of US foreign policy and its impact on global stability. As tensions between progressive and conservative visions for American leadership continue to rise, her speech reflects a growing divide within the country—and internationally—over how the US should engage with the world. This clash of ideas at the Munich conference underscores the importance of ongoing debates about US leadership in an increasingly uncertain global landscape. AOC’s presence and message have already sparked attention, not only for their content but also for the broader implications they hold for transatlantic relations and international cooperation. Her critique of Trump’s policies highlights the stakes involved in maintaining alliances and promoting democratic values, which remain critical to addressing global

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/13/2026