NewsNY Post PoliticsMay 8, 2026United States
Secretary of State Rubio reaffirms NATO support during Italy visit
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome to discuss the US-NATO alliance. While Rubio expressed personal support for the alliance, he acknowledged tensions regarding member contributions and past military cooperation, specifically citing instances where allies denied the US use of military bases.
Read the full story at NY Post PoliticsWhy It Matters
The statements clarify the current US diplomatic stance toward NATO amid ongoing internal administration tensions regarding troop deployments in Europe and military cooperation.
Key Facts
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly reaffirmed his support for NATO during a visit to Italy.
- Rubio stated that the purpose of NATO is for allies to assist in military contingencies.
- Rubio cited Spain's past denial of US access to military bases as an example of an action that impeded a US mission.
- President Trump has previously labeled NATO a 'paper tiger' and threatened to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain.
- Rubio stated he had no announcements regarding the status of American forces in Europe, noting that such decisions rest with the President.
- Rubio met with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Pope Leo XIV during his visit.
- Prime Minister Meloni described the meeting as a 'frank dialogue' regarding national interests and Western unity.
- Meloni stated that Italy is not at war and does not intend to enter the war in Iran.
Who's Mentioned
personMarco Rubio“US Secretary of State”locationSpain“Country cited for denying base access during a US military contingency”organizationNATO“North Atlantic Treaty Organization”locationItaly“Host country for diplomatic meetings”personDonald Trump“President of the United States”personPope Leo XIV“Religious leader”personGiorgia Meloni“Prime Minister of Italy”