Ocasio Cortez, Newsom Criticize Trump Admin At Munich Conference

At the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Germany, progressive Democrats used the international stage to air sharp criticisms of President Donald J. Trump and his America First foreign policy agenda.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered remarks questioning the direction of U.S. leadership under President Trump’s second term, while participating in broader discussions about global economics and international security.

Global Stage, Domestic Struggles

Newsom’s presence in Munich drew particular scrutiny, as California continues to wrestle with mounting budget pressures, homelessness crises, and public safety concerns at home. Nevertheless, the governor addressed international audiences about America’s global posture, joining fellow Democrats in calls for sweeping economic reforms.

Several Democratic lawmakers in attendance advocated for a global wealth tax during panel discussions focused on economic inequality and multinational cooperation—an idea long championed by progressive policymakers. Ocasio-Cortez has previously supported similar proposals domestically, aligning herself with the left wing of her party on economic redistribution measures.

Taiwan Question Highlights Policy Divide

During one panel, Ocasio-Cortez was asked directly about one of the most pressing geopolitical flashpoints facing the United States: Taiwan.

INTERVIEWER: “Should the US actually commit U.S. troops to defend Taiwan if China were to move?”

AOC: “Um…

“You know, I think that, uh…

“This is such a, uh, you know, I think that this is a, um…

“This is, of course, a very long standing policy of the United States, and I think what we are hoping for is that we want to make sure that we never get to that point, and we want to make sure that we are moving in all of our economic research and our global positions to avoid any such confrontation.

“And for that question to even arise…”

Her response pointed to long-standing U.S. policy while emphasizing de-escalation and avoidance of direct military conflict. Historically, the United States has maintained a posture of “strategic ambiguity” toward Taiwan—recognizing the One China policy while supporting Taiwan’s defensive capabilities.

The exchange underscored a broader debate within Washington about deterrence, military readiness, and how forcefully the United States should confront Beijing’s growing ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

Renewed ICE Controversy

Ocasio-Cortez also returned to controversy surrounding Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis earlier this year.

In January, she accused ICE agents of “assassinating a young mother in the street” during remarks that drew swift criticism from Republicans and law enforcement advocates.

An ICE agent, identified as Jonathan Ross, shot and killed Good during what officials described as a disputed encounter captured on video.

President Trump and senior administration officials have defended the agent’s actions, while sharply criticizing Good in the aftermath of the incident.

When pressed by reporters on Capitol Hill about Republican claims that the shooting occurred after Good interfered with ICE operations, Ocasio-Cortez stood by her earlier remarks.

“What would you say to your Republican colleagues, just the fact that they say that if these people would follow the law and not get involved with ICE and try and disrupt them collecting people who are here illegally?” a reporter asked.

After requesting the question be repeated, she responded:

“I would not say that assassinating a young mother of three in the street is part of ICE’s mandate,” she said.

“ICE specifically has a mandate that has nothing to do with going after U.S. citizens,” she said.

She further urged the public to review the video footage of the encounter.

Broader Political Implications

While Ocasio-Cortez has not formally announced plans to seek higher office, she is frequently mentioned as a potential future Senate or national candidate. Her high-profile presence at international gatherings like the Munich Security Conference signals continued ambition within progressive circles.

The annual Munich conference gathers world leaders, military officials, lawmakers, and policy experts to debate global security, defense, and economic coordination. This year’s event once again highlighted stark philosophical divisions between President Trump’s nationalist, sovereignty-focused agenda and progressive calls for greater global economic integration.

As geopolitical tensions mount—from Taiwan to immigration enforcement at home—the contrast between America First governance and progressive internationalism appears sharper than ever.