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The speech was well received inside the conference hall. However, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., offered a sharply different reaction during a separate event in Berlin. When asked about income inequality, Ocasio-Cortez pivoted to Rubio’s remarks, describing them as “a pure appeal to Western culture.” She specifically criticized his reference to Spanish roots of American cowboy traditions, stating, “My favorite part was when he said that American cowboys came from Spain. I believe the Mexicans and descendants of African slave— enslaved peoples would like to have a word on that.”
Rubio’s address centered on maintaining strong U.S.-European ties amid geopolitical instability. He argued that acknowledging historical and cultural bonds is essential for sustaining the transatlantic alliance. The Secretary of State left the stage to sustained applause.
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