Munich summit becomes early stage for 2028 Democrats
What's the administration thinking here?
The Munich Security Conference, kicking off Friday, is quickly emerging as an unofficial stop on the Democratic 2028 primary tour.
The annual gathering of world leaders and defense officials is drawing a slate of ambitious Democrats eager to sharpen their national security credentials, expand their global profiles, and project steadiness to European allies wary of America’s political volatility.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is seen during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
It’s a high-profile stage, but whether it translates into momentum in Iowa or New Hampshire remains to be seen.
Among those scheduled to appear are Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI). The Democrats, all possible 2028 presidential contenders, are expected to insert themselves into international and political conversations in a way that increasingly resembles a shadow presidency and a direct counterweight to President Donald Trump.
Ocasio-Cortez is set to bring a “working-class” perspective to the summit. The Washington Post reported she plans to challenge the influence of billionaires and corporate interests on international policies she sees as harmful to everyday workers. She will speak on two panels: one on the rise of populism and another on the future of U.S. foreign policy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be the highest-ranking U.S. official in Munich, tasked with defending Trump’s policies that have rattled U.S. allies, including the purchase of Greenland, the imposition of arbitrary, punitive tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and making Canada the 51st state. Last year, Vice President JD Vance stunned the audience after sharply criticizing Europe’s migration and free speech policies. He also warned that the continent’s greatest threat comes from within.
Newsom told reporters this week that he will speak about trade and jobs. He will also tell foreign leaders that “California is a stable and reliable partner.”
Newsom gained international attention last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, when he openly mocked and criticized the president and his delegation. Newsom’s Davos blitz quickly escalated into an international proxy fight with Trump. Newsom scolded European leaders for capitulating to Trump and even waved around red kneepads, saying of the president, “You either mate with him, …
What's the administration thinking here?
The Munich Security Conference, kicking off Friday, is quickly emerging as an unofficial stop on the Democratic 2028 primary tour.
The annual gathering of world leaders and defense officials is drawing a slate of ambitious Democrats eager to sharpen their national security credentials, expand their global profiles, and project steadiness to European allies wary of America’s political volatility.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is seen during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
It’s a high-profile stage, but whether it translates into momentum in Iowa or New Hampshire remains to be seen.
Among those scheduled to appear are Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI). The Democrats, all possible 2028 presidential contenders, are expected to insert themselves into international and political conversations in a way that increasingly resembles a shadow presidency and a direct counterweight to President Donald Trump.
Ocasio-Cortez is set to bring a “working-class” perspective to the summit. The Washington Post reported she plans to challenge the influence of billionaires and corporate interests on international policies she sees as harmful to everyday workers. She will speak on two panels: one on the rise of populism and another on the future of U.S. foreign policy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be the highest-ranking U.S. official in Munich, tasked with defending Trump’s policies that have rattled U.S. allies, including the purchase of Greenland, the imposition of arbitrary, punitive tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and making Canada the 51st state. Last year, Vice President JD Vance stunned the audience after sharply criticizing Europe’s migration and free speech policies. He also warned that the continent’s greatest threat comes from within.
Newsom told reporters this week that he will speak about trade and jobs. He will also tell foreign leaders that “California is a stable and reliable partner.”
Newsom gained international attention last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, when he openly mocked and criticized the president and his delegation. Newsom’s Davos blitz quickly escalated into an international proxy fight with Trump. Newsom scolded European leaders for capitulating to Trump and even waved around red kneepads, saying of the president, “You either mate with him, …
Munich summit becomes early stage for 2028 Democrats
What's the administration thinking here?
The Munich Security Conference, kicking off Friday, is quickly emerging as an unofficial stop on the Democratic 2028 primary tour.
The annual gathering of world leaders and defense officials is drawing a slate of ambitious Democrats eager to sharpen their national security credentials, expand their global profiles, and project steadiness to European allies wary of America’s political volatility.
Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) is seen during the Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
It’s a high-profile stage, but whether it translates into momentum in Iowa or New Hampshire remains to be seen.
Among those scheduled to appear are Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA), Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI). The Democrats, all possible 2028 presidential contenders, are expected to insert themselves into international and political conversations in a way that increasingly resembles a shadow presidency and a direct counterweight to President Donald Trump.
Ocasio-Cortez is set to bring a “working-class” perspective to the summit. The Washington Post reported she plans to challenge the influence of billionaires and corporate interests on international policies she sees as harmful to everyday workers. She will speak on two panels: one on the rise of populism and another on the future of U.S. foreign policy.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be the highest-ranking U.S. official in Munich, tasked with defending Trump’s policies that have rattled U.S. allies, including the purchase of Greenland, the imposition of arbitrary, punitive tariffs, the war in Ukraine, and making Canada the 51st state. Last year, Vice President JD Vance stunned the audience after sharply criticizing Europe’s migration and free speech policies. He also warned that the continent’s greatest threat comes from within.
Newsom told reporters this week that he will speak about trade and jobs. He will also tell foreign leaders that “California is a stable and reliable partner.”
Newsom gained international attention last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, when he openly mocked and criticized the president and his delegation. Newsom’s Davos blitz quickly escalated into an international proxy fight with Trump. Newsom scolded European leaders for capitulating to Trump and even waved around red kneepads, saying of the president, “You either mate with him, …
