Democrats seek to reassure Europe about post-Trump America
BBC World
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Democrats are actively working to ease European concerns about the future of US-Europe relations under a potential post-Trump administration. At the Munich Security Summit, several Democratic politicians, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, emphasized that Donald Trump's policies and rhetoric are temporary and stressed the enduring commitment of the United States to its European allies. These efforts come as a response to growing apprehension among European leaders regarding Trump's "America First" agenda, which has seen the imposition of tariffs on key trading partners and a shift in US foreign policy priorities.
The summit also featured Republican figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Senator Thom Tillis, who attempted to strike a balance between addressing Trump's unconventional approach and reaffirming the importance of transatlantic cooperation. While Rubio's remarks did not fully alleviate European concerns, other Democrats, such as New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, highlighted the need for continued collaboration between the US and Europe, despite political divisions at home.
Domestically, several Democrats used the platform to address pressing issues like election integrity and wealth inequality. Virginia Senator Mark Warner cautioned against the potential threats to the fairness of the 2024 elections, while Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Michigan's Elissa Slotkin discussed the broader challenges facing American democracy. These discussions underscored the interconnectedness of domestic politics with international relations, as concerns about stability at home influence perceptions of US reliability abroad.
The Democrats' presence in Munich reflects their strategic effort to position themselves as leaders capable of restoring a more predictable and cooperative relationship between the US and Europe. As Trump's tenure continues to raise questions about long-term American engagement, these politicians are aiming to reassure both allies and domestic audiences that a post-Trump era will bring renewed stability
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/15/2026