We ‘belong together,’ Rubio tells Europe but warns allies should ‘defend themselves’

More than 50 members of Congress are attending the Munich Security Conference, which runs through Sunday. Follow for live updates.

• Rubio’s speech: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US and Europe “belong together” during his remarks at the Munich Security Conference. The tone of his speech stood in stark contrast to the one delivered last year at the summit by US Vice President JD Vance. • New world order: Rubio also made clear the Trump administration believes the path forward requires a shift in how the US-European alliance works together, adding: “We want allies who can defend themselves so no adversaries will feel inclined to challenge our collective strength.” • Also on hand: More than 50 members of Congress and other US dignitaries are in Munich, including prominent Democrats who have sought to outline their own foreign policy visions — and a potential alternative path forward for US leadership. European leaders repeatedly applauded US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as he delivered a Valentine’s Day message of reassurance to uneasy allies at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday. The audience even laughed at his jokes. It was a striking contrast to the scene just one year ago, when Vice President JD Vance stood at the same podium and delivered a bombastic rejection of liberal orthodoxies that have prevailed in Western Europe since World War II. Vance was met with a stone-faced audience – and at times elicited audible gasps from the crowd of shocked attendees.