WASHINGTON (CHATNEWSTV) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday unveiled a sweeping agenda for the State Department under the second Trump administration, emphasizing a sharp pivot toward policies prioritizing national security, economic strength, and a redefined approach to diplomacy.
“President Trump has given me a clear direction: Every dollar we spend, every program we fund, and every policy we pursue must be justified by answering three simple questions—does it make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous?” Rubio said in a statement.
Rubio, serving as the nation’s 72nd secretary of state, vowed to reshape the State Department by deemphasizing certain initiatives, curbing migration policies, and focusing on what he called “core national interests.”
Crackdown on Migration and Border Security
Rubio declared the end of any State Department efforts that “facilitate or encourage mass migration,” with a renewed focus on securing U.S. borders and negotiating repatriation agreements. “Our diplomatic relations, particularly in the Western Hemisphere, will prioritize stopping illegal and destabilizing migration,” he said.
Shift Away from DEIA Initiatives
In a move that has already sparked criticism, Rubio pledged to enforce President Trump’s executive order eliminating diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) programs across federal agencies. “This order will be faithfully executed and observed in both letter and spirit,” he said, adding that the focus would shift to rewarding performance and merit.
Refocusing Diplomatic Efforts
Rubio called for a return to “the basics of diplomacy,” eliminating efforts tied to divisive political and cultural issues. “We will conduct a pragmatic foreign policy to advance our core national interests,” he said, underscoring a desire to repair strained international relationships while sidelining domestic ideological debates.
Energy Dominance and Climate Policy Overhaul
The secretary also reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to energy dominance, signaling a departure from aggressive climate initiatives. “While we will support sensible environmental protections, the State Department will use diplomacy to help fulfill President Trump’s promise of American energy dominance,” he said.
Commitment to Free Speech
Rubio also took aim at the State Department’s past efforts to combat misinformation, pledging to dismantle programs that could “lead to censoring the American people.” He emphasized combating enemy propaganda only with “fundamental truth” and called America “a great and just country.”
The agenda marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy as the Trump administration doubles down on what Rubio described as a “forward-looking agenda” amidst a “reemerging great power rivalry.”
“Our mission is clear,” Rubio concluded. “To make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”
Critics have questioned whether the changes, including the rollback of DEIA programs and climate policies, will damage international partnerships or domestic consensus. However, Rubio defended the approach as necessary to meet the challenges of the modern era.
