Rubio’s Record at the State Department
Rubio’s Record at the State Department
The United States Department of State, under the leadership of Marco Rubio, who was appointed Secretary of State in Donald Trump’s second administration on January 21, 2025, has undergone significant structural and policy changes.
These changes have been made in line with Trump’s ‘America First’ priorities and Rubio’s assertive approach to foreign policy.
The current state of the Department of State is explained below.
Structural Overhaul and Office Reduction: In April 2025, Rubio announced a comprehensive restructuring plan for the State Department, which included the elimination of 132 offices and departments from a total of 734 units, a reduction of about 18 percent.
This plan, which Rubio stated was designed to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and focus on national interests, removed offices such as the Office of Global Women’s Issues and diversity and inclusion programs. Additionally, the Bureau of Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights was dissolved, with some of its functions transferred to the Office of Foreign Assistance and Humanitarian Aid.
These changes were aimed at simplifying the structure and focusing on key regions like the Western Hemisphere and Indo-Pacific.
The proposed State Department budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 was reduced to $285 billion, with $20 billion cut from costly and ideological programs.
A 15 percent reduction in the workforce, affecting about 2,000 employees in domestic offices, was also announced. These cuts drew criticism from Democrats and some diplomats for weakening America’s soft power.
Dissolution of USAID: In February 2025, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was dissolved by an executive order from Donald Trump, with its remaining functions transferred to the State Department.
This action, carried out in collaboration with the Government Efficiency Office (DOGE) led by Elon Musk, was met with protests from hundreds of diplomats who, in a letter to Rubio, deemed the dissolution of USAID a threat to American leadership and security, warning that it would create a power vacuum for China and Russia.
Focus on National Interests: Rubio emphasized that U.S. foreign policy should be based on three principles: Does it make us safer? Does it make us stronger? Does it make us more prosperous?
He announced that the State Department would distance itself from ideological programs like diversity and inclusion or unnecessary foreign aid and would focus on diplomacy based on national interests.
Changes in Foreign Service: A draft executive order released in April 2025, which Rubio later called fake, proposed creating a doctrine of strategic coherence that would require diplomats to implement the president’s policies.
This draft, which included hiring criteria such as charisma and alignment with the president’s views, raised concerns about the politicization of the foreign service.
Although Rubio dismissed this document, the current restructuring remains focused on strengthening the role of regional offices and embassies.
Diplomatic Focus of the State Department under Rubio’s leadership is as follows: Focus on the Western Hemisphere: Rubio announced that U.S. foreign policy has been too focused on distant regions, neglecting the Western Hemisphere, especially Central America and the Caribbean.
His first foreign trip in January 2025 was to Central America, Guatemala, and neighboring countries, focusing on strengthening cooperation to control illegal immigration, combat drug cartels, and reduce China’s influence, such as controlling the Panama Canal.
He emphasized that this region is a diplomatic priority due to its proximity to the U.S.
Strengthening the Quad Alliance: On his first working day, January 21, 2025, Rubio met with his counterparts from India, Japan, and Australia, members of the Quad Alliance, to strengthen the strategy to counter China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
He called China America’s greatest peer competitor and emphasized strengthening ties with allies to curb China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.
Tough Policy on Iran: Rubio has taken a hardline stance against Iran, declaring America’s main goal to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and threatening its neighbors, especially Israel.
In an interview with CBS on May 18, 2025, he stated that even the lowest level of uranium enrichment could lead to nuclear weapons production, and America should not accept this. He also rejected direct negotiations with the current Iranian government, stating that any visit to Iran would only be for regime change.
Managing the Ukraine Crisis: Rubio announced that ending the Ukraine war is the official policy of the United States, and both Russia and Ukraine must make concessions.
He suggested that Ukraine might forgo reclaiming all territories occupied by Russia, a stance that drew criticism from Democrats like Senator Chris Van Hollen, who accused him of capitulating to Putin.
Reducing Diplomatic Presence in Africa: Rubio’s restructuring plan includes the proposal to close some embassies and consulates and transfer the functions of the Africa Bureau to the National Security Council, reducing diplomatic activities in Sub-Saharan Africa.
This move faced criticism from those who believe it will reduce U.S. influence in Africa and open the door for China and Russia.
Middle East Policy: Rubio is a staunch supporter of Israel and, following Hamas attacks in October 2023, called for a disproportionate response from Israel. He also views Iran’s influence in Syria as a regional threat and supports engagement with transitional authorities in Syria to prevent the return of Iranian and ISIS influence.
Views of American Diplomats
However, State Department diplomats have mixed views on Rubio’s management, showing a combination of support, concern, and skepticism.
Some diplomats, particularly those aligned with conservative views, have welcomed Rubio’s emphasis on national interests and the reduction of ideological programs.
In his speeches to State Department staff, Rubio has stated that the changes are not punitive or destructive but are designed to transform the department into a 21st-century institution that operates at the right speed.
This message has been appealing to diplomats seeking clarity in policymaking.
Reports indicate concern and even panic among diplomats due to rumors about the politicization of the foreign service.
A draft executive order released in April 2025, later denied, proposed hiring criteria like alignment with the president’s views, raising concerns about diplomats’ independence. The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) called this approach a recipe for failure, stating that restructuring through rumors and confusion undermines trust.
Meanwhile, hundreds of diplomats in March 2025 signed a letter to Rubio condemning the dissolution of USAID.
They argued that this action weakens U.S. influence and security and creates a power vacuum for global rivals like China and Russia.
Diplomats also criticized the halt in foreign aid, which accounted for 92 percent of the $72 billion in aid in 2023, stating that it harms international partners and American diplomats in the field.
Some diplomats and analysts believe that budget cuts and the elimination of key offices like Human Rights and Democracy weaken America’s soft power.
Democratic Representative Greg Meeks, on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said these changes are more about dismantling U.S. influence than streamlining.
Diplomats are also concerned that reducing presence in Africa and over-focusing on the Western Hemisphere may set America back in global competition.
The firing of dozens of senior diplomats and replacing them with individuals aligned with Trump’s agenda has created a sense of insecurity among staff.
A diplomat described the proposed restructuring document as insane in a conversation with Politico, saying even infinite monkeys with infinite typewriters could come up with a better plan. These reactions indicate resistance to the speed and intensity of the changes.
Reuters reported that Rubio defended budget cuts and foreign aid reductions in Congress sessions in May 2025, stating that America is not withdrawing from the world but redefining its priorities.
However, some Democratic senators, like Chris Van Hollen, criticized Rubio’s shift from supporting foreign aid in the Senate to advocating its reduction, accusing him of capitulating to Trump.
The New York Times described Rubio’s restructuring as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce federal bureaucracy, but critics called it a short-sighted assault on American diplomacy.
The publication also noted Rubio’s order to review social media of student visa applicants to prevent the entry of individuals with anti-American or anti-Israeli stances, raising concerns about privacy violations.
Politico reported that diplomats were alarmed by rumors of widespread changes, including the closure of embassies in Africa, even though Rubio called the initial document fake, leaving an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear of dismissal in the State Department.
CBS also reported that Rubio, in a meeting with diplomats in Guatemala in February 2025, emphasized that foreign aid would continue but must be defensible and justifiable.
He criticized some USAID officials for not cooperating with Elon Musk’s team, stating that the restructuring would be done from the bottom up.
NBC described Rubio’s restructuring as an effort to reimagine U.S. foreign policy but warned that eliminating human rights and diversity offices might have negative consequences for America’s global influence.
The publication also noted support from Republicans like Senator Jim Risch for Rubio’s plan. The Washington Post, in an article in September 2024 before Rubio’s tenure, described him as a hardliner on China, advocating for a new industrial policy to counter China’s ‘Made in 2025’ initiative.
The publication predicted that Rubio’s approach would be a mix of traditional diplomacy and assertiveness but might clash with Trump’s unconventional style.
The United States Department of State under Marco Rubio’s leadership is experiencing extensive restructuring that includes reducing offices, budget, and workforce, and focusing on national interests and key regions like the Western Hemisphere and Indo-Pacific.
The diplomatic focus is on strengthening alliances like the Quad, countering China and Iran, and managing crises like Ukraine and Syria.
Diplomats have mixed views; some support the focus on national interests, but many are concerned about politicization, reduced global influence, and the dissolution of USAID. International media analyses, emphasizing the risk of reducing America’s soft power, reflect Republican support and Democratic criticism of Rubio’s approach.
Although Rubio intends to transform the department into a foreign policy center, challenges like internal resistance and global criticism may make implementing this vision difficult.