By MATTHEW LEE and LORNE COOK, Associated Press

BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the Trump administration’s new envoy to NATO are seeking to reassure wary NATO allies of the U.S. commitment to the alliance.

Rubio on Thursday decried “hysteria and hyperbole” in the media about President Donald Trump’s intentions despite persistent signals from Washington that NATO as it has existed for 75 years may no longer be relevant.

Rubio and newly confirmed U.S. ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker are in Brussels for a meeting of alliance foreign ministers at which many are hoping Rubio will shed light on U.S. security plans in Europe.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes statements during his meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

“The United States is as active in NATO as it has ever been,” Rubio told reporters as he greeted NATO chief Mark Rutte before the meeting began. “And some of this hysteria and hyperbole that I see in the global media and some domestic media in the United States about NATO is unwarranted.”

“President Trump’s made clear he supports NATO,” Rubio said. “We’re going to remain in NATO.”

“We want NATO to be stronger, we want NATO to be more visible and the only way NATO can get stronger, more visible is if our partners, the nation states that comprise this important alliance, have more capability,” he said.

In a statement, Whitaker said that “under President Trump’s leadership, NATO will be stronger and more effective than ever before, and I believe that a robust NATO can continue to serve as a bedrock of peace and prosperity.” But he added: “NATO’s vitality rests on every ally doing their fair share.”

Concerns about US commitment to allies

Despite those words, European allies and Canada are deeply concerned by Trump’s readiness to draw closer to Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who sees NATO as a threat as the U.S. tries to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine, his rhetorical attacks and insults against on allies like Canada and Denmark.

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And Trump’s Wednesday imposition of new global tariffs, which will affect allies, have added to the uncertainty and unease.

Asked about concerns among European allies about a possible U.S. troop drawdown and the importance of getting clear messages from the Trump administration, Rutte said: “These issues are not new. There are no plans for them to all of a sudden draw down their presence here in Europe.”

Indeed, the Trump administration has not made its NATO allies aware any plans it might have. But several European countries are convinced that U.S. troops and equipment will be withdrawn, and they want to find out from Rubio how many and when so they can fill any security gaps.

“We need to preempt a rapid retreat, but we’ve had nothing precise from the U.S. yet,” a senior NATO diplomat said ahead of the meeting, briefing reporters on his country’s expectations on condition that he not be named.

Rutte’s dilemma

Rutte is in a bind. European allies and Canada have tasked him with keeping the United States firmly in NATO. Around 100,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Europe along with the Navy’s 6th Fleet and nuclear warheads. U.S. firepower ensures that NATO’s ability to deter Russia is credible.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, right, walks with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio after addressing the media during a meeting of NATO foreign ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

This means he cannot openly criticize Trump, who is commander in chief of NATO’s biggest and best-equipped armed forces.

What is clear, is that U.S. allies must ramp up defense spending even more than they already have since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine 3 years ago, so that they can defend Europe with less American help and keep Ukraine’s armed forces in the fight.

“The U.S expects European allies to take more responsibility for their own security,” Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said, which means that “European NATO countries rapidly have to strengthen the European pillar of NATO and have to increase their defense spending.”

Since Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned last month that U.S. security priorities lie elsewhere — in Asia and on the U.S.’s own borders — the Europeans have waited to learn how big a military drawdown in Europe could be and how fast it may happen.

In Europe and Canada, governments are working on “burden shifting” plans to take over more of the load, while trying to ensure that no security vacuum is created if U.S. troops and equipment are withdrawn from the continent.

Today is Thursday, April 3, the 93rd day of 2025. There are 272 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On April 3, 1996, Theodore Kaczynski (kah-ZIHN’-skee), also known as the Unabomber, was arrested at his remote Montana cabin by FBI agents.

Also on this date:

In 1860, the first Pony Express mail delivery rides began; one heading west from St. Joseph, Missouri, and one heading east from Sacramento, California.

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Today in History: April 2, Pope John Paul II dies at 84

Today in History: April 1, US forces invade Okinawa during World War II

Today in History: March 31, Bruce Lee’s son accidentally shot to death on movie set

Today in History: March 30, Reagan shot in assassination attempt

Today in History: March 29, ‘Terra-cotta Army’ discovered in China

In 1882, outlaw Jesse James was shot and killed in St. Joseph, Missouri, by Robert Ford, a member of James’ gang.

In 1936, Bruno Richard Hauptmann was electrocuted in Trenton, New Jersey, for the kidnap-murder of 20-month-old Charles Lindbergh Jr.

In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Smith v. Allwright, struck down a Democratic Party of Texas rule that allowed only white voters to participate in Democratic primaries.

In 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed into law the Marshall Plan, designed to help European allies rebuild after World War II and resist communism.

In 1968, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. delivered what was to be his final speech, telling a rally of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, Tennessee, “I’ve been to the mountaintop. … I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land!” (The following day, King was killed by an assassin’s bullet at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.)

In 1973, the first handheld portable telephone was demonstrated for reporters on a New York City street corner as Motorola executive Martin Cooper called Joel S. Engel of Bell Labs.

In 1974, an outbreak of tornadoes began hitting wide parts of the South and Midwest before jumping across the border into Canada; 148 tornadoes caused more than 300 fatalities in what became known as the 1974 Super Outbreak.

In 1996, a U.S. Air Force jet crashed as it approached Dubrovnik, Croatia; all 35 people on board were killed, including U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown.

Today’s birthdays:

Conservationist Jane Goodall is 91.
Actor Marsha Mason is 83.
Singer Wayne Newton is 83.
Singer Tony Orlando is 81.
Singer-songwriter Richard Thompson is 76.
Actor Alec Baldwin is 67.
Actor David Hyde Pierce is 66.
Actor-comedian Eddie Murphy is 64.
Celebrity chef Cat Cora is 58.
Olympic skiing gold medalist Picabo Street is 54.
Actor Jennie Garth is 53.
Actor Adam Scott is 52.
Football Hall of Famer Jared Allen is 43.
Actor Cobie Smulders is 43.
Singer Leona Lewis is 40.
Actor-comedian Rachel Bloom is 38.

What would the ultimate St. Paul dining day look like?

I think a few places I visited this week would certainly make that list. (I’d love to hear your ideas, too: Send them my way at eat@pioneerpress.com.)

Next week’s Dining Diary column will focus on lunches — but this week, we’re visiting some new spots and classic favorites for breakfast, dinner and, perhaps the most important meal of the day, dessert.

Breakfast: Bagel and lox at Razava

I celebrated my birthday last week, which of course called for a day of good food — and where else to start but Razava Bread Co.? The 4-month-old Grand Avenue sourdough bakery has quickly become one of my favorite spots in the city.

The interior design gives off the vibe of a European sidewalk cafe, and the savory, Caesar-inspired house schmear elevates the bagels and lox to new heights. (When Razava opened, I wrote that the herbaceousness of the cream cheese “rocks with the lox,” which might be the best thing I’ve ever come up with. Not to brag. But hey, it’s my birthday — I can do whatever I want.)

Razava Bread Co: 685 Grand Ave.; 763-338-0853; razavabread.co

Dinner: Pot roast tacos at The High Hat

The chipotle pot roast tacos are a standout item on the new dinner menu at The High Hat, a Southwestern-inspired Cathedral Hill cafe that opened for breakfast and lunch in 2023. The tacos, as served March 23, 2025, contain roasted sweet potatoes, peppers and onions. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)

The High Hat, the delightful Southwestern-inspired Cathedral Hill cafe that opened almost two years ago for breakfast and lunch, has at long last added dinner service. And as the sun goes down outside, it’s fun to watch a space that’s bright and cheery in the mornings (formerly home to Bon Vie Bistro/A Piece of Cake) become an evening lounge that’s moodier and swankier but still approachable as ever.

The standout for me were the chipotle pot roast tacos, with tender slow-cooked beef, onions, peppers and roasted sweet potato on really good corn tortillas. The beef was juicy as all get-out, and although the sweet potatoes got a bit lost, the grilled pepper and onion blend gave the dish a nice savory kick without making it too spicy. My dining partner and I also enjoyed the flavors going on in the Peruvian chicken sandwich, with smoked gouda cheese balancing out the zippy, garlicky ají amarillo sauce. (The dinner menu is a bit light on plated entrees, and I think this dish could also work well — or perhaps better? — in that format.)

As for sides, most — like plantain mashed potatoes and pureed black beans — are served a la carte, and some listings on the main menu could work as either appetizers or shared sides. We went that route and split the perfectly cooked and well-seasoned street carrots, topped with plenty of crumbly cheese.

On the breakfast menu, one perennial favorite beverage is the Muse latte, with orange, caramel and cinnamon. For dinner, they’ve adapted it into a fun dessert: an almond-cinnamon sponge cake soaked in orange and honey, with a great salted caramel sauce and a coffee whip. Don’t skip!

Open for dinner from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursdays–Mondays (till midnight Friday/Saturday). As always, open daily for breakfast/lunch 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The High Hat: 485 Selby Ave.; 651-528-7941; thehighhatmn.com

Dessert: Pasteis de nata and ginjinha at Estelle

The Portuguese dessert pasteis de nata, an egg custard tart shown March 30, 2025, is a mainstay on the dessert menu at Estelle in St. Paul. (Jared Kaufman / Pioneer Press)

Last week and this week, Pioneer Press food editor Jess Fleming (aka my boss) has been leading readers on an amazing trip to Spain and Portugal. If you didn’t snag a spot on the trip this time, not to worry: We have Portugal right here in St. Paul, too, at Estelle.

The Pica Pau appetizer at Estelle, served March 30, 2025, contains tender chunks of beef with pickled vegetables and a delightfully savory broth. (Courtesy of Alyssa Kaufman)

I love Estelle for dinner — their new Portuguese pica pau appetizer is amazing; a beef-and-veg situation served with a little bit of savory broth that makes me want to lick the bowl — but they also have one of my favorite simple desserts in town, egg tarts called pasteis de nata.

The bar team at Estelle also makes a classic Portuguese sour cherry liqueur called ginjinha in-house, and I think the tartness of the drink pairs beautifully with the molten richness of the egg custard. It’s just bliss. Head to the bar, even solo, and treat yourself this week. You deserve it.

Estelle: 1806 St Clair Ave; 651-330-9648; estellestp.com

P.S. If you want to travel with Jess in the future, she’s leading a 13-day trip to Ireland next spring! More info online.

NEW YORK – “Costly Turnover Night” was not an official entry on the Madison Square Garden promotional calendar, but that ended up being the theme of the evening anyway.

In a game where both teams were fighting for vital playoff points and both team suffered from self-inflicted issues, the New York Rangers scored last, grabbing a 5-4 overtime win over the Minnesota Wild and bolstering both teams’ tenuous playoff positions in the process.

Marco Rossi tied the game early in the third period but Vincent Trocheck scored early in overtime as the Wild settled for one point for the second game in a row.

The Wild now move into seventh place in the Western Conference standings, tied with idle St. Louis, which has won 10 in a row.

Filip Gustavsson, busy all night, finished with 34 saves for the Wild, while Marcus Johansson had a goal and two assists, but Minnesota failed to overtake idle St. Louis for the seventh spot in the Western Conference standings. The Wild sit in the eighth and final playoff spot in the west with six games to play.

Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin had 20 saves for the home club, which moved into a tie for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot with the win.

The Rangers had not played since Saturday and had the fresher legs early, testing Gustavsson repeatedly with 11 of the game’s first 12 shots. New York also took the game’s first penalty, and with the Wild using their five forwards man advantage unit, a Rangers turnover found Marcus Johansson unobstructed with the puck. He fed Nyquist at the side of the net, also uncovered, and Nyquist popped a low shot past Shesterkin on the stick side.

For Nyquist, it was his first goal since being traded to the Wild in early March. He had last scored for the Predators on Jan. 25.

The Wild’s lead went away when Gustavsson made a stick save on a long-range shot by Urho Vaakanainen, only to have Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider fire the rebound home. But the visitors answered barely two minutes later via Faber’s eighth goal of the season, on a shot from the blue line that beat the New York goalie between the knees.

Minnesota was out-shot 18-7 in the opening period but emerged with the lead. But the Rangers’ shooting gallery continued unabated in the middle frame, with Minnetonka native K’Andre Miller tying the game for New York by sending a low angle shot off Gustavsson’s right shoulder and into the top corner of the net.

After the Rangers took their first lead on a misplay in the Minnesota crease, Matt Boldy went to the penalty box for roughing and New York threatened to extend their advantage. Instead, it was the visitors taking advantage of a misplay this time, and Johansson’s wrist shot beat Shesterkin for Minnesota’s first shorthanded goal of the season.

What looked like a Mats Zuccarello goal that would’ve given Minnesota a 4-3 lead was reviewed and negated due to goalie interference, with no argument from the visitors bench. Instead, the Rangers took a lead into the second intermission when the puck slipped away from Marco Rossi at the blue line, springing Artemi Panarin on a breakaway, and ending with Panarin’s team-leading 34th goal of the season.

But the opening shift of the third period saw Miller cough up a puck in the defensive zone, and Boldy pounced, feeding Rossi to tie the game once again. Minnesota killed a brief 5-on-3 Rangers power play to keep the game tied in the latter half of the third.

Wild defenseman Declan Chisholm, who had been out of the lineup for five of the last six games, initially due to injury, returned on Wednesday, taking the place of Jon Merrill in the lineup. Chisholm caught up to Rangers star Mika Zibanejad on a first period rush to the net and swatted the puck away.

The Wild’s three-game East Coast road trip concludes on Friday with a visit to UBS Arena on Long Island, where the New York Islanders await. The Wild beat the Islanders 6-3 on Feb. 8 in St. Paul. Game time is 6:30 p.m. CT.

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