Democrats Seek to Boost Profiles, Reassure Allies at Munich Security Conference

Newsom, AOC, and others aim to counter Trump's 'aggressive and transactional' foreign policy agenda

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Several prominent Democrats, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego, and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, are attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany this weekend to boost their profiles and strengthen bonds with European allies strained by President Donald Trump's policies. The Democrats plan to push an alternative to Trump's foreign policy agenda, which has been seen as aggressive and transactional by U.S. allies.

Why it matters

The conference provides an opportunity for these Democrats to establish relationships with world leaders and bring new perspectives to the global stage, as they consider potential runs for higher office in 2028. It also allows them to reaffirm support for strong transatlantic ties and address European skepticism following Trump's 2024 victory.

The details

Newsom is expected to address the conference, meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and formalize a new partnership between California and Ukraine. Gallego previewed his visit on X, writing that he plans to 'talk about rebuilding alliances and restoring steady American leadership.' Ocasio-Cortez, who does not serve on any national security committees in Congress, will participate in two panels on Friday, sharing a progressive perspective on foreign policy that is intertwined with her domestic politics.

  • The Munich Security Conference is taking place on February 13-15, 2026.
  • Last year, Vice President JD Vance criticized European allies at the conference.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who is expected to address the conference, meet with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and formalize a new partnership between California and Ukraine.

Ruben Gallego

The Democratic senator from Arizona who plans to 'talk about rebuilding alliances and restoring steady American leadership' at the conference.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The Democratic congresswoman from New York who will participate in two panels at the conference, sharing a progressive perspective on foreign policy that is intertwined with her domestic politics.

Friedrich Merz

The German Chancellor who Newsom is expected to meet with at the conference.

JD Vance

The former Vice President who criticized European allies at last year's Munich Security Conference.

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What they’re saying

“I'm headed to the Munich Security Conference this weekend to talk about rebuilding alliances and restoring steady American leadership. To meet the threat of China, the world needs a partner it can count on again, not chaos.”

— Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator (X)

“We know the old order is not coming back. We shouldn't mourn it. Middle powers must act together because if we're not at the table, we're on the menu.”

— Mark Carney, Canadian Prime Minister (Davos, Switzerland)

“We live in a new era in geopolitics, and it's going to require all of us to sort of reexamine what that looks like and what our role is going to be.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State (ABC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.