Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) addressed a global audience at the Munich Security Conference on February 13, 2026, where she dismissed the notion of a White House bid in 2028, yet provided a broad critique of American foreign policy without specifying the principal change under the current administration. The New York representative participated in two panels, discussing the war in Ukraine, unrest in Iran, and the shifting dynamics of U.S. diplomacy.
During a conversation on populism, Ocasio-Cortez was queried about her stance on a wealth tax and whether she would implement it if she ran for president. She deflected, emphasizing the urgency of such a policy regardless of presidential action. Her noncommittal response to a potential candidacy left the door open but avoided detailing any campaign strategies.
The congresswoman also touched on the sensitive topic of U.S. aid to Israel, suggesting that unconditional support is untenable, and controversially described U.S. backing during the Israel-Hamas conflict as enabling "a genocide in Gaza."
In a panel moderated by Francine Lacqua for Bloomberg TV, Ocasio-Cortez hesitated when asked to identify the "single-biggest" change in diplomacy under President Donald Trump. She eventually expanded her answer to lament the volatility of U.S. foreign policy, citing the capricious nature of international commitments like the Paris climate accords and USAID as evidence of a lack of stability.
Ocasio-Cortez accused the administration of engaging in "wrecking ball politics," undermining transatlantic partnerships, democratic norms, and the rules-based international order. She highlighted erratic policies such as the alleged "kidnapping" of a foreign head of state and the suggestion of "colonizing Greenland" as undermining U.S. credibility.
Despite her critique, Ocasio-Cortez maintained that Americans are still dedicated to democratic principles and global cooperation, resisting the pull towards authoritarianism that she feels is exemplified by the current government's retreat from international institutions.
Critics have noted Ocasio-Cortez's difficulty in clearly articulating a definitive shift in the administration's foreign policy approach. Nonetheless, her presence at the Munich conference and her remarks on U.S. diplomacy continue to fuel speculation about her broader political aspirations.
