Senator John McCain’s Death a Loss for the United States and the Transatlantic Relationship

The German Marshall Fund of the United States mourns the passing of Senator John McCain. Over his long, impressive legislative career, Senator McCain’s leadership was recognized not just in the U.S., but also in Europe and worldwide.

“Senator McCain championed the values that underpin the transatlantic relationship: democracy, rule of law, and human rights,” said GMF President Karen Donfried. “He understood that strong allies and enduring relationships are essential to global stability.  He earned admiration and trust on both sides of the Atlantic.  He was a treasured friend of GMF and we will miss him deeply.”

Starting with the inaugural Brussels Forum in 2006, Senator McCain was the star of GMF’s signature conference three times.  Most recently, he spoke at the German Marshall Fund’s 2017 Brussels Forum.  His remarks came at a time when many in Europe were questioning the direction of U.S. policy, but McCain sought to offer reassurance, saying, “With all of our troubles, and strains, and all of the problems that we have, I have a fundamental belief in the goodness of man. I think there are still enough good things in the world, there are enough good people and good leaders. I think our institutions are strong. I think the challenges are great. We’ve been through more difficult challenges – but it argues for greater and stronger relationships across the Atlantic.”

As a member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and chairman of the Senate Committee of Armed Services, Senator McCain was deeply engaged in many aspects of the transatlantic relationship, particularly as a strong advocate for NATO within the U.S. government. His commitment to American alliances forms an important part of his legacy.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife Cindy McCain and his family at this challenging time.