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Chancellor Merz Critiques Rubio's Munich Security Applause

2/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed frustration over the ovation for U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference.
In a podcast, Merz said he would have found it difficult to applaud Rubio, whose speech he described as less confrontational than U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance's speech.
Rubio urged reviving the transatlantic partnership under the terms of U.S. President Donald Trump, reflecting the audience's preference for his friendly approach.

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Story summary

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed frustration over the ovation for U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference.
In a podcast, Merz said he would have found it difficult to applaud Rubio, whose speech he described as less confrontational than U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance's speech.
Rubio urged reviving the transatlantic partnership under the terms of U.S. President Donald Trump, reflecting the audience's preference for his friendly approach.