Rubio calls for "unapologetic pursuit of national power," invoking ancient Greece in Acropolis speech
October 7, 2026 / 1:20 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke at the Acropolis, invoking ancient Greece to argue for the West's need to recover its defining character traits like individuality and ambition.
- Rubio criticized modern Western societies for prioritizing perfect safety and mediocrity over risk, adventure, and the pursuit of glory.
- He stated that the current U.S. administration under President Trump has chosen an "unapologetic pursuit of national power," focusing on reindustrialization, defense, and future technologies.
- The speech also touched upon immediate foreign policy concerns, including the U.S. war with Iran, Russia, and energy security in Europe.
- Rubio met with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis to discuss defense, energy, and regional security, calling Greece a "strong and model NATO ally."
- He addressed questions about U.S. Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle's tenure and the U.S. position on Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.
- Rubio highlighted the Greenland deal as an example of the administration's vision in action, aimed at reshaping the Arctic and bolstering NATO security.