In a wide-ranging interview on SiriusXM Patriot 125’s David Webb Show—hosted by Scott Jennings—Secretary of State Marco Rubio detailed his recent diplomatic tour of Latin America, outlined plans to counter Chinese influence, and discussed a reformed approach to American foreign aid, while also offering a hardline stance on the situation in Gaza.
Secretary Rubio, a former Florida senator now serving as U.S. Secretary of State under President Trump, returned from his inaugural foreign tour covering Panama, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic.
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“I think the disposition is very positive,” Rubio said, emphasizing that these nations, chosen for their strategic roles in migration and drug trafficking routes, are keen to align with the United States.
Rubio highlighted key developments in each country:
- Panama: The administration raised concerns over foreign influence—especially regarding the Panama Canal—and noted that Panama had pulled out of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the first Western Hemisphere country to do so. Upcoming announcements are expected as Panama finalizes its process.
- Costa Rica: Despite its status as an advanced economy, Costa Rica faces challenges from drug trafficking. The nation remains a steadfast pro-American partner that has resisted Chinese Communist Party influence.
- El Salvador: Praising President Nayib Bukele’s leadership and high approval ratings, Rubio recounted an interesting proposal from Bukele to accept both gang members and American prisoners—a controversial offer that might be constrained by U.S. law.
- Guatemala: A critical transit country for drugs and migrants, Guatemala is expanding deportation efforts, including an increase in deportation flights and accepting third-country nationals for repatriation.
- Dominican Republic: Addressing issues linked to its border with Haiti, Rubio discussed the region’s daily deportations and efforts to curb drug smuggling via Puerto Rico, a vital entry point into the U.S.
Rubio concluded his Latin American trip with a visit to Southern Command at the Pentagon, marking a strong start to his second week in office.
Countering Chinese Influence and Reasserting U.S. Dominance
When pressed about the pervasive influence of China in the region, Rubio was unequivocal: “What we can’t allow is an imbalance—a dangerous imbalance—where they become more powerful than we are, or where we become dependent on them.” He stressed that while China is a formidable global force, the United States must ensure that its neighboring countries remain under its sphere of influence rather than ceding control to Beijing. “We can’t wake up one day and find that China has more influence over our neighbors than we do,” Rubio warned.
Reforming Foreign Aid for American Interests
Addressing criticism over the reallocation of foreign aid, Rubio defended the Trump administration’s efforts to streamline spending. “We’re not walking away from foreign aid,” he said, clarifying that the goal is to eliminate wasteful spending and focus on projects that directly support U.S. national interests. Rubio highlighted successful initiatives—such as a program in Guatemala to bolster local police capabilities against fentanyl trafficking—and dismissed projects he deemed frivolous, including funding for non-essential cultural activities. “If someone wants to pay for that, they’re more than welcome to, but it shouldn’t be the American taxpayer,” he asserted.
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Looking Ahead: Munich and the Middle East
Rubio’s agenda also includes upcoming trips to the Munich Security Conference and the Middle East, where he plans to reaffirm President Trump’s call for an end to the war in Ukraine and explore opportunities to reshape the region. “We have a chance to change the dynamic in the Middle East,” Rubio stated, pointing to potential shifts in Lebanon and Syria that could pave the way for renewed peace negotiations with Israel and Saudi Arabia.
On the subject of Hamas and the ongoing hostage crisis, Rubio delivered a stark assessment: “Hamas is evil. It’s pure evil. These are monsters. There’s no way peace will prevail if groups like Hamas remain the dominant power in Gaza.” He criticized Hamas for its brutal treatment of hostages and argued that any future peace agreement must ensure that governance in Palestinian territories excludes such extremist groups.
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A New Era of Common-Sense Diplomacy
In wrapping up the interview, Jennings commended Rubio’s proactive approach and noted that the early foreign affairs successes—ranging from strengthened border security alliances to high-profile diplomatic wins—have bolstered President Trump’s approval ratings. “You’re off to an amazing start,” Jennings remarked, to which Rubio replied with his trademark humor: “We’re still looking for the bathrooms, but we’re getting the job done.”
Rubio’s candid discussion reflects a clear shift toward what he describes as a “common-sense” foreign policy—one that prioritizes American interests, counters adversarial influences, and demands accountability in government spending. As the administration continues to reshape U.S. diplomacy, the international community will be watching closely to see how these policies unfold on the global stage.
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