Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Brussels for NATO discussions amid increasing anxiety over the Trump administration's rocky relations with Europe. The environment has shifted from partnership to tension, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine and trade conflicts. While Rubio is seen as an ally to NATO interests, concerns linger about whether he effectively represents Trump's more isolationist views. His presence is notable as he aims to moderate Trump's proposals, balancing the administration's stance with alliance commitments, given the fragile state of U.S.-European relations.
Mr. Rubio's visit to the alliance's headquarters, the first by a senior Trump administration official this year, comes as relations between the United States and Europe have abruptly shifted from the close cooperation of the Biden era to mistrust and acrimony under Mr. Trump.
Foreign officials who have dealt with Mr. Rubio since he became Mr. Trump's top diplomat have described him as downplaying some of Mr. Trump's wilder ideas and translating them into more realistic policy approaches.
There is only so much Mr. Rubio can do to sugarcoat Mr. Trump's agenda, which is driven by a view that Europe economically exploits the United States.
At the same time, NATO officials may welcome a chance to confer with Mr. Rubio, whom many consider the most pro-alliance member of Mr. Trump's national security team.
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