Vance urges Europe to do “much more” on defence, denies rift with Rubio

US Vice President JD Vance said the United States expects “much more” from its European allies in defence and cooperation, while rejecting speculation of tensions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid talk of the 2028 presidential race.

In an interview with Fox News, Vance stressed that Washington is seeking stronger commitments from its partners across the Atlantic.

"It's not that we don't respect our allies. It's rather that they are sabotaging themselves in many ways," he said. Vance emphasized that the US government would like to see a successful Europe with a strong economic performance.

He argued that pressure from the administration of Donald Trump had prompted NATO members to increase defence spending and invest more actively in border protection.

Vance’s remarks come amid renewed debate over transatlantic relations following his appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where he criticized the state of democracy in Europe. During the visit, he also met with Alice Weidel, leader of the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

Meanwhile, comments by Rubio at the same conference were described by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz as reflecting the “worldview of the current American administration,” adding that it would be “difficult for him to stand up” to applaud.

Addressing speculation that both he and Rubio may be considering presidential bids in 2028, Vance dismissed any suggestion of rivalry.

“I think it’s so interesting the media wants to create this conflict where there just isn’t any conflict,” Vance said.

“Marco’s doing a great job. I’m trying to do as good of a job as I can. The president’s doing a great job. We’re going to keep on working together,” he added.

Rubio received a standing ovation at the conclusion of his speech in Munich and was also praised by President Trump. Asked whether he would back Rubio for the Republican nomination in 2028, Trump responded that it was “something I don’t have to worry about now.”

“JD’s fantastic, and Marco, they’re both fantastic, I think, really. And I think Marco did a great job in Munich,” Trump told reporters.

Vance echoed the president’s view that the administration remains focused on governing rather than future political contests.

“I think the president is very smartly saying we’ve got three years to go, and how about everybody focuses on the job the American people elected us to do rather than something that is very far in the future,” Vance said.

“Marco is my closest friend in the administration. I think he’s doing a great job for the American people but most importantly, we all have to continue doing a good job for the American people from the president on down.”

By Vafa Guliyeva