Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized comments made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a recent appearance in Germany, arguing that his remarks about the origins of American cowboy culture minimized the contributions of Mexicans and enslaved Africans and relied on what she described as a weak cultural interpretation.
Ocasio-Cortez delivered the criticism while speaking at Technical University of Berlin on Feb. 15 at an event centered on U.S. politics and economic inequality.
Referencing Rubio’s speech at the Munich Security Conference, Ocasio-Cortez remarked, “I was on the populist panel, which was very funny. My favorite part was when he said that American cowboys came from Spain. I believe the Mexicans and descendants of African enslaved peoples would like to have a word on that.”
Her comments pointed to Rubio’s Feb. 14 address, where he stated, “Our horses, our ranches, our rodeos — the entire romance of the cowboy archetype that became synonymous with the American West — these were born in Spain.” The speech, which focused on Western culture and alliances, received a standing ovation.
Ocasio-Cortez argued that Rubio’s broader cultural framing rested on a fragile premise. “They want to take this mantle of culture,” she said. “At the end of the day, though, it is very thin.”
She emphasized that culture is inherently dynamic, adding, “For the entire history of human civilization, culture has been a fluid, evolving thing that is a response to the conditions that we live in.”
The remarks sparked online reactions, with some critics mocking her statements.
Rubio’s Munich speech highlighted shared Western heritage and called for a renewed transatlantic alliance grounded in national sovereignty, cultural identity, and industrial revitalization. He also cautioned against mass migration, the influence of global institutions, and what he characterized as cultural decline in the West.
The exchange reflects ongoing partisan differences in how American history and identity are presented abroad, as U.S. leaders convey contrasting narratives to international audiences.
