In Munich, Europe Says It Is ‘De-risking’ From the U.S. Amid Trump’s Unpredictability

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by David E. Sanger

February 14, 2026

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European leaders at the Munich Security Conference are increasingly discussing “de-risking” from the United States due to President Trump’s unpredictability and growing transatlantic tensions. This strategic shift reflects concerns over American reliability, particularly amid disputes over issues like tariffs, Greenland, and border controls. While Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized shared European roots and avoided overt lectures on political repression, his speech notably omitted any mention of Russia, leaving European leaders—who view Russian threats as their top security concern—unreassured. The shift in dynamics is significant, as it marks a reversal from past years when American officials warned of Russian aggression while European leaders downplayed the risks. Now, Europe is urging caution and expressing skepticism about the U.S. approach to global security challenges. The concept of “de-risking” typically refers to reducing dependence on volatile partners like China or Russia but now applies to the United States as well. European leaders argue that even a ceasefire in Ukraine would not halt Russian President Vladimir Putin’s broader campaign of destabilization across Europe. They are also wary of Trump’s erratic behavior, which has created uncertainty about U.S. foreign policy commitments. Rubio’s diplomatic tone was met with cautious optimism, but his failure to address Russia directly highlighted the lingering trust gap between Europe and the U.S. This fundamental shift in transatlantic relations matters because it underscores a growing divergence in priorities and approaches to global security. While the U.S. focuses on domestic concerns and ideological divides within Europe, European leaders are grappling with how to protect their interests amid a changing geopolitical landscape. The implications of this strategic reorientation could reshape alliances and influence future responses to regional conflicts. In summary, the idea of “de-risking” from the U.S. reflects Europe’s growing disillusionment with American leadership under Trump and its increasing focus on self-reliance. This shift not only

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/14/2026