Headline: Rubio Dominates Press Briefing in Bratislava, Calls Out “Setup” Question Aimed at Dividing US and Slovakia
Bratislava, Slovakia – In a tense moment on the global stage, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shut down a journalist’s attempt to drive a wedge between the United States and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico during a joint press conference in Bratislava this Sunday.
The exchange occurred as Rubio and Fico addressed the media following high-level talks focused on energy independence, defense cooperation, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the atmosphere between the two leaders appeared cordial—building on Fico’s recent visit to Mar-a-Lago—a reporter from a major European outlet attempted to corner Rubio with a question highlighting Fico’s controversial critiques of the European Union.
The journalist asked whether the United States was comfortable strengthening ties with a leader who has openly described the EU as an “institution in deep crisis” and has frequently diverged from Brussels on foreign policy.
Rubio, refusing to take the bait, immediately called out the premise of the inquiry. “That is a setup question designed to create a wedge between us and a key ally,” Rubio reportedly fired back, effectively silencing the room. He emphasized that the United States respects the sovereignty of its partners and prioritizes “concrete actions” that benefit both nations over bureaucratic disagreements in Brussels.
“We expect every country in the world to act in their national interest. That is what countries are supposed to do,” Rubio stated, reinforcing the Trump administration’s foreign policy approach. “When our national interests are aligned… this is an extraordinary opportunity for cooperation and partnership.”
Background: A Strategic Alignment in Central Europe
The press conference marked the first visit by a U.S. Secretary of State to Slovakia in seven years, signaling a renewed focus on Central Europe under the current administration. Prime Minister Fico, a seasoned politician who returned to power on a platform of sovereignty and peace, has faced criticism from Western European leaders for his skepticism regarding military aid to Ukraine and his willingness to engage diplomatically with diverse global powers.
However, the bond between Fico and the U.S. administration appears to be strengthening. Just weeks ago, Fico met with President Donald Trump in Florida, a meeting he described as being held in an “informal spirit” of “respect and trust.” The two leaders reportedly share similar views on the need for a pragmatic approach to the Ukraine conflict and a reevaluation of transatlantic energy policies.
During the Bratislava visit, Rubio and Fico discussed Slovakia’s transition away from Russian energy sources, with Fico expressing hope for a future agreement with U.S.-based Westinghouse for nuclear energy expansion. Defense spending was also on the agenda, with Slovakia committing to modernizing its military capabilities, including the purchase of F-16 fighter jets.
Critics Question the Strategy
While Rubio’s defense of Fico was well-received by the Slovak government, it has drawn sharp objections from EU officials and political opponents who argue that Fico’s rhetoric undermines European unity. Critics contend that by validating Fico’s “sovereign” stance, the U.S. risks emboldening illiberal trends within the bloc. They argue that the “wedge” the reporter alluded to is a reality that Washington is choosing to ignore for the sake of bilateral transactionalism.
Despite these objections, Rubio’s decisive handling of the press—and his refusal to publicly criticize a host ally—sends a clear message: The U.S. is prioritizing direct, national-interest-based alliances over multilateral consensus. As Rubio concluded the briefing, he reiterated that the U.S. is not looking for vassals, but for partners who are willing to act decisively.
