Rubio reassures NATO allies while demanding 3% defense spending increase

Rubio spoke at Munich Security Conference on Feb. 14, 2026. He pledged continued U.S. commitment to NATO while demanding allies increase defense spending from the current 2% target to 3% of GDP.

Twenty-three of 32 NATO members now meet the 2% spending target, up from just three in 2014. The U.S. spends 3.4% of GDP on defense. Raising all NATO members to 3% would add approximately $140 billion in annual defense spending.

German opposition leader FMFriedrich Merz told the conference that the rules-based international order 'no longer exists.' French President Emmanuel Macron said Europe must develop 'strategic autonomy' from the United States.

🌴California Governor Gavin Newsom attended the conference as part of an unofficial diplomatic tour. He met with European leaders about climate cooperation and trade, positioning himself as an alternative to Trump on the global stage.

Rubio's speech came one day after Trump deployed a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. Trump has threatened military action against Iran over its nuclear program and support for Hamas.

Trump previously said he would encourage Russia to do 'whatever the hell they want' to NATO allies that don't meet spending targets. This comment undermined Article 5, which commits all members to defend any member under attack.

The conference drew criticism for Newsom's attendance. Republicans accused him of violating the Logan Act, which prohibits unauthorized citizens from negotiating with foreign governments. Legal scholars say the Logan Act has never been successfully prosecuted.