United States Department of State
Coverage of United States Department of State in the Nexus archive.
- Lebanon’s president defends Lebanon-Israel framework agreement
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun defended the country’s ceasefire framework with Israel, rejecting criticism from Hezbollah supporters protesting the agreement. The framework, mediated by the US, faced backlash for not linking Israeli troop withdrawal to Hezbollah’s disarmament. Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s sovereignty in negotiations and urged against public discord.
- New limited-edition US passport features Trump's image and a warning
President Donald Trump unveiled a new limited-edition U.S. passport featuring his image and a warning for visitors to behave, as part of the 250th anniversary celebration. The passports, part of the 'America250' initiative, will be released this summer and include events like a Grand Prix and a UFC fight. The State Department will offer them to citizens during the rollout, with stricter vetting policies for foreign visitors, especially for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Rubio’s Yerevan Visit: What Washington Said, and What It Left Unspoken
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Yerevan signaled support for Armenia’s sovereignty without endorsing any election candidate, while concrete agreements aimed to prevent Moscow from using the situation for propaganda.
- To repair ties with India, Rubio leans into pageantry
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio visited India to mend strained diplomatic relations caused by Trump's tariff policies and Pakistan-friendly stance. The visit aims to strengthen ties in the world's largest democracy.
- The US relied on a spurned friend during the Iran war: Canada
During Operation Epic Fury, the US State Department relied on Canada's embassy in the UAE to distribute passports for evacuating Americans due to a lack of formal consular cooperation agreements. Despite strained US-Canada relations under the Trump administration, Canada immediately agreed to the arrangement, highlighting the US's unpreparedness for the crisis.
- Russian FM Lavrov urged US to evacuate diplomats from Kyiv in Rubio call
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged the United States to evacuate diplomats and citizens from Kyiv during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Russia's Foreign Ministry cited a prior statement recommending countries remove personnel from Kyiv.
- Marco Rubio says 'significant' progress made in talks with Iran – video
Marco Rubio announced 'significant' progress in U.S.-Iran peace talks, though a deal remains unfinished. The U.S. secretary of state emphasized cautious optimism about the ongoing negotiations.
- Europe seeks to defuse Trump criticism ahead of NATO summit in Ankara
Europe is working to address US President Donald Trump's criticisms ahead of an upcoming NATO summit in Ankara. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met in Helsingborg, Sweden, as part of these diplomatic efforts.
- Trump's face doesn't belong on U.S. passport, senators tell Rubio
The State Department announced a special edition U.S. passport featuring President Donald Trump's likeness, which has been met with opposition from senators who told Rubio that Trump's face doesn't belong on it. The announcement has sparked controversy. The special edition passport is a unique development in the history of U.S. passports.
- Rubio offers "new relationship" to Cuban people
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Cuban people directly, blaming their hardships on communist leadership and offering a new relationship between the US and Cuba. The Trump administration is pressuring Havana with a multi-layered campaign, including an indictment of Raúl Castro. The US is offering $100 million in food and medicine to the Cuban people.
- Vance to get his turn replacing Leavitt at White House, following Rubio performance
Vice President JD Vance will host the White House press briefing on Tuesday, replacing Karoline Leavitt who is on maternity leave. This follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's debut at the podium earlier this month. Several administration officials will fill in for Leavitt during her absence.
- Rubio: US will push China for more ‘active role’ in Iran negotiations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will push China to take a more active role in Iran negotiations during a summit. The goal is to end the war with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump and administration officials will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
- Trump administration rejects UN migration declaration, says 'mass migration was never safe'
The Trump administration rejected a UN migration declaration, citing concerns over mass migration and its impact on American communities. The US did not participate in the International Migration Review Forum and will not support the declaration. The move is part of President Donald Trump's immigration policies.
- Rubio meets Pope Leo: Can they heal White House-Vatican rift?
Rubio met with Pope Leo to potentially heal the rift between the White House and the Vatican, despite recent attacks from Trump. The State Department emphasized the strong ties between the two entities. The meeting underscores a positive relationship.
- What Rubio’s rise as the internet’s 'fixer' tells us about today’s politics
Marco Rubio has become known as a hardworking and effective politician, taking on multiple roles and responsibilities, including Secretary of State and acting national security advisor. He has gained popularity online, with many memes and jokes about his ability to get things done. This reputation could serve him well in a potential presidential run in 2028.
- State Department reviewing all Mexican consulates in U.S. as tensions grow
The State Department is reviewing all 53 Mexican consulates in the US, which may lead to closure of some posts. This move comes as tensions grow. The review could result in Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordering closures.
- Marco Rubio and the rise of the real estate ‘shadow state’
The Trump administration has undermined the State Department by relying on personal fixers rather than professional diplomats, resulting in a lack of expertise and misreading global security complexities. This approach has led to concerns about the department's effectiveness. Marco Rubio is mentioned in relation to the real estate 'shadow state'.
- Rubio announces new Cuba sanctions
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions on Cuba's military-industrial enterprise, its leader, and a state-owned natural resources company. The sanctions are part of the Trump Administration's campaign to address national security threats posed by Cuba's communist regime. The move is seen as a push for regime change in Cuba.
- Trump admin declare Europe an 'incubator' for terrorism fuelled by mass migration that is allowing 'alien cultures to grow'
The Trump administration has declared Europe an 'incubator' for terrorism due to mass migration, allowing 'alien cultures to grow'. This statement suggests a link between immigration and increased terror risk in Europe. The declaration is likely to spark controversy and debate.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Pope Leo after Trump's criticism
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Pope Leo following critical comments from President Trump. The meeting comes after Trump's remarks sparked controversy. Rubio's discussion with the Pope may be an attempt to ease tensions.
- Rubio heads to Rome with Trump’s Iran clash looming over Pope, Meloni talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Rome to meet with Pope Leo and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran. Rubio defended the administration's posture toward Tehran and signaled that Washington is not backing off its pressure campaign. The trip comes as President Donald Trump clashes with the Pope over the US-Iran conflict.
- Bipartisan senators press Trump admin on funding vaccines for poor countries
Bipartisan senators are urging the Trump administration to restore $600 million in funding for Gavi, an international humanitarian group that distributes vaccines to developing countries. The funding is being withheld by the State Department. Senators Susan Collins and Jeanne Shaheen led the effort.
- Marco Rubio to meet pope this week after Trump’s broadside against Leo
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo at the Vatican to improve relations between Washington and the Vatican. The meeting comes after Donald Trump's criticism of the pope. Rubio's two-day visit aims to thaw frosty relations with the Vatican and Italy.
- Acting US ambassador to Ukraine leaving post, officials deny frustration with Trump
Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Julie Davis will retire in June after 30 years as a career foreign service officer. The State Department denied reports that her departure stems from frustration with President Trump, as reported by the Financial Times.