Rubio calls for "unapologetic pursuit of national power" in Acropolis speech

In an October 2026 speech delivered at the Pnyx near the Acropolis in Athens, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocated for an 'unapologetic pursuit of national power' as a return to the foundational roots of Western civilization. Framing the Trump administration's 'America First' policy as a revival of ancient Greek ideals, Rubio urged European allies to 'awaken from their slumber' and reject what he described as a culture of 'perfect safety' and 'atrophy.' The address, delivered during a three-nation diplomatic tour that included Iceland and Portugal, emphasized national sovereignty, reindustrialization, and the rebuilding of defense, while contrasting Western values against the 'cult of death' he attributed to Iran.

In an October 2026 speech delivered at the Pnyx near the Acropolis in Athens, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio advocated for an 'unapologetic pursuit of national power' as a return to the foundational roots of Western civilization. Framing the Trump administration's 'America First' policy as a revival of ancient Greek ideals, Rubio urged European allies to 'awaken from their slumber' and reject what he described as a culture of 'perfect safety' and 'atrophy.' The address, delivered during a three-nation diplomatic tour that included Iceland and Portugal, emphasized national sovereignty, reindustrialization, and the rebuilding of defense, while contrasting Western values against the 'cult of death' he attributed to Iran.